Web2: Users could participate and express themselves
Web3: Users began to truly own their assets and data
As blockchain technology evolves, a growing number of users now own their digital assets, identities, and on-chain data. In this context, a new question is gradually entering industry discussions:
What is Web4?
So far, the market still hasn’t found a clear answer. Some believe Web4 will mark an era of deep integration between AI and blockchain. Others suggest the internet may evolve into a stage where “intent equals transaction”—users simply express a need, and systems automatically execute it.
At the same time, another emerging possibility is increasingly being discussed by developers:
AI agents will be able to manage assets, execute transactions, and even participate in on-chain governance on behalf of users.
When AI Enters the Crypto World
As AI technology advances, its integration with crypto infrastructure is emerging as a new frontier of exploration.
Recently, HTX launched a new product, HTX AI Skills, as an early exploration of AI + Crypto. Designed as an open capability protocol for the AI agent ecosystem, it enables AI to directly understand natural language instructions and execute cryptocurrency spot and futures trades.
As AI begins to interact directly with blockchain infrastructure, a new question follows:
If AI can understand user intent, execute strategies, and even manage assets autonomously, does this signal that the internet is moving into a new phase?
Similar discussions are gaining traction throughout the industry. In a recent market insights article published on HTX Square,
“While Wall Street Models an ‘AI Doomsday’, Justin Sun Is Betting on Web4.0”, a noteworthy trend is highlighted: while traditional financial institutions are still assessing the systemic impact of AI, some Web3 builders, represented by Advisor to HTX Justin Sun, are already exploring what the next generation of the internet could look like as AI and blockchain converge.
Related Article:
While Wall Street Models an “AI Doomsday”, Justin Sun Is Betting on Web4.0
HTX Square Launches a Community Discussion: Defining Web4
Against this backdrop, HTX Square is launching a discussion open to all community members:
If the core of Web3 is “ownership”, what will be the keyword for Web4?
Some possible ones include:
● Web4 = AI agents executing trades autonomously
● Web4 = Zero UI, where intent equals transaction
● Web4 = AI managing on-chain assets automatically
● Web4 = An internet of human-machine collaboration
Of course, there are other answers out there.
As a concept still taking shape, the definition of Web4 leaves ample room for imagination.
Join the Conversation
HTX Square invites community members to take part in this discussion.
● How to participate: Leave a comment under this topic post in the HTX Community and describe or define your vision of Web4 in one sentence. Click to participate: https://www.htx.com.lv/feed/community/19560463/
● Event Period: March 19, 2026 – March 27, 2026
● After the event, HTX Square will select 5–10 of the most insightful or imaginative predictions from the community and publish them as a “Web4 Visionary Predictions Poster”.
Perhaps years from now, when we look back,
the earliest definitions of Web4 will have started right here.
The post first appeared on HTX Square.
