Final answer:
Web-based self-service is a technology that enables customers to find their own answers online, reflecting the interactive nature of Web 2.0. It is part of a broader digital trend that includes user-generated content and crowdsourcing, as demonstrated by platforms like Kickstarter and Wikipedia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Web-based self-service is a technology that allows customers to use the web to find answers to their questions or solutions to their problems without direct interaction with customer service representatives. This approach harnesses the participatory and interactive nature of Web 2.0, empowering consumers to engage with content and services actively.
Since the announcement of Web 2.0 in 1999, we've seen a significant shift towards user-generated content, as in the cases of social media as well as the rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Furthermore, the advent of digital crowdsourcing platforms such as Kickstarter exemplifies how web-based services have transformed traditional business models by enabling fundraising and collaboration on a vast scale, as seen with Wikipedia, a prime example of a crowdsourced database.