In what seems like the eve of an inevitable face-melting bull run, we hear (and read) about mass adoption of blockchain technology. Ah yes, that's hyper-bitcoinization for any bitcoin maximalists out there.
I often get asked if everybody's using bitcoin in El Salvador and Guatemala like you see on X...
source: ictworks.org
and the answer is a resounding...
The dream of mass adoption of blockchain and Web3 technology has long been a talking point among enthusiasts, with visions of every "average Joe" seamlessly transacting in cryptocurrencies to buy pupusas, coffee and pay the bills, owning tokenized assets, and actively participating in decentralized governance. But doesn't mass adoption mean that we would all have to accept the complexity and responsibility that come with decentralization and self-custody? Unlike gated solutions provided by the likes of Google, Meta and Coinbase that prioritize ease of use, blockchain tech often demands a little more knowledge, effort, PATIENCE and vigilance. As a result, I honestly ask myself whether the future of Web3 adoption is likely to be driven by the general public; you know... the masses.
The Challenge of Mass Adoption
Mass adoption requires a technology to be as intuitive and accessible as current mainstream solutions. Think about the simplicity of logging into a centralized platform like Instagram or making payments with a single tap on Venmo. These platforms succeed because they're stupid simple! They remove any complexity and take on the burden of security and custody for their users. Our beloved blockchain tech, on the other hand, operates on principles of decentralization, freedom and self-custody — empowering users with control over their assets and data but that comes with a cost: greater personal responsibility.
And most people don't want that responsibility.
source: Jimmy Song on X
Managing private keys, understanding wallet mechanics, and navigating decentralized platforms can be daunting for the average user. The fear of losing funds due to a misplaced private key or falling victim to phishing scams discourages casual users from engaging with blockchain-based solutions such as HIVE.
While user-friendly interfaces are improving, the reality is that Web3 demands a level of commitment and education that isn't appealing to everyone; But you know what? that's OK.
Niche Communities Matter
I say to bring more users to web3 and to HIVE, which is my favorite platform, maybe we should try focusing groups that are passionate and with specific needs that blockchain technology is uniquely suited to address.
For example:
Gamers: Play-to-earn models and in-game NFTs have already found traction among gaming enthusiasts. Gamers are more likely to embrace blockchain because they value asset ownership and interoperability, even if it means learning new systems.
Artists and Creatives: Musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers are exploring NFTs and blockchain as a means of reclaiming ownership, bypassing middlemen, and reaching global audiences. Communities of artists are motivated to overcome the learning curve because the rewards —direct control over royalties and intellectual property— are significant.
Developing Nations: In regions where financial systems are unstable or inaccessible, cryptocurrencies and DeFi offer an alternative that is not just desirable but necessary. Communities in these areas are willing to adopt blockchain despite its complexities because it solves urgent problems.
And my personal favorite...
Web3 Entrepreneurs and businesses: Builders and innovators experimenting with decentralized apps (dApps), DAOs, and tools to avoid paying taxes (not financial advice) are naturally more inclined to adopt the technology since it aligns with their professional goals.
On top of that, businesses can have a multiplier effect by giving users a reason to spend cryptocurrency as well as hiring talent in exchange for cryptocurrency.
(For more on this, please see my other article about more web3 businesses needed)
The Future Lies in Specialization
Yes, blockchain’s value lies in solving problems that centralized systems cannot. It doesn’t need to replace existing systems entirely to succeed though. It just needs to find its niches. I believe that over time, by focusing on these niches, we will create a network effect, gradually pulling in users as their specific needs intersect with blockchain’s capabilities.
Instead of waiting for mass adoption, we should focus on developing tailored solutions for passionate, motivated users and businesses . By addressing the pain points of niche markets and demonstrating real value, Web3 could grow organically and sustainably.
The future of blockchain isn’t about convincing everyone to adopt it frens; it’s about empowering those who already see its potential.
Recognize us crazy niche users and make solutions for us. We'll get the ball rolling.
By the way, the thumbnail for this post was generated with PeakD's brand new AI image generation option and only cost me $0.09 $HBD to create. It's an amazing tool that everybody should try. Case in point.
I have said before that niche groups could be the future of Hive. I would love to see it get big amongst musicians, but I also enjoy the comics here. I know others have tried to build communities around other interests. Once those grow then people can post about other things too.
The usability is important, but it has got easier. Keychain is a big part of that. We need good tutorials that are easy to find.
!BEER
I think Hive is getting more user-friendly by the day. I think the biggest challenge is managing keys. The other aspects are getting simpler peakd and inleo is doing much in this aspect.
I just onboarded someone yesterday on their phone by helping them download Keychain and choosing "create an account with a friend". I emphasized the importance of keeping a copy of their keys because there is no customer service haha and then showed them how to log in effortlessly on their work computer using Hive Auth. The next step is showing them how to download Keychain as a desktop extension.
Managing keys is a bit more tricky, I agree, but like I said in my post, maybe we need to be looking for users who already see the value of self-custody even if it's slightly more complex.
In reality, you're right. However, I also think there are people who don't know the value of self custody, unless they're integrated into it. Some of these guys are still web2 oriented. However, we can only do so much and people onboarded might just need to see beyond the difficulties and just buy the advantages rather than looking at the downside
I agree, it's nearly impossible to attract masses on blockchain and we 3, beside keys, think about RC, wallets, tokens, imagine 60y old people will not bother will all that when they have the dumb Facebook, teens have only in mind 1 thing (you know what 🤣) they won't bother too... Complexity is the problem
Complexity is a problem for some, but a feature for others. That's my point. Some people are willing to put a little extra effort to use tools that will allow for permissionless monetization, freedom and censorship resistance. You don't get any of that with what corporations and governments offer.
Of course, I like hive because nobody can come and say "hey you violate the tos, banned", or worse, just because you say something the central authority doesn't like... The backside of pos like hive is that if you get targeted by whales you are gonna get nuked to death
My experience of watching down votes from large accounts is that they usually have a valid reason. It usually involves copying and pasting content and claiming it as original. Another reason is self-vote farms. I do think they can be a bit heavy handed with one-time offenders sometimes. But down votes will be a thing of the past when the reward pool is producing less than 1% inflation per year. When we reach that point, the only way to earn $HIVE is to exchange for goods & services.
We still might have 15% APR on $HBD and NOBODY can take that away from you :)
the Hive faucet won't last forever
I don't know about that pool inflation, you won't get any more hive from posts? mind explain a little? Or eventually make a post 😅
!PIZZA
I made a detailed post about this. You might want to check it out:
Understanding the currency and reward system
"Developing Nations," yes, we badly need blockchain and Web3 here. Many in this country are unbanked.
!BBH
!PIZZA
Many people are unbanked, but have access to a mobile phone and Internet. That's all you need to participate in the Internet of value thanks to web3.
We need niche people
We absolutely do. I think these are the ones that stick around and value the tools that places like HIVE has to offer, even if they're a little more clunky sometimes.
Freedom has a price.
This kind of software is very helpful as when the thumbnail is pretty then people will definitely look at the content.
Yes, and adding more use cases for $HBD helps our ecosystem grow. Win-win.
This is a great tool, really it looks so much like those thumbnails created on fiverr and its highly affordable
Very much so. Huge use case for $HBD.
Exactly
Exactly exactly
We will never attract the masses if they keep pushing people away and downvoting them off Hive
My original content is being downvoted on Hive just because I helped out a friend year's ago who is now exposing the truth about Hive
If you want to speak more contact me on Instagram @kgakakillerg
I hope you enjoy your day ahead ✌🏾
I'm sorry your content is being downvoted. I'm sure there's a reason for it, other than the one you say ("exposing the truth"). The focus of my article is exactly about catering to niche markets as opposed to the masses, who in my opinion, will always choose the easiest option even if it means staying poor.
No need to be sorry 😁
There is no other reason my friend is exposing the truth about Hive and they just started downvoting my original content I've been a content creator for over 20 year's
I have been informed that they are your friends that are downvoting me so please tell them to stop
As it won't end well they fucked with the wrong people
If there is nothing to counter downvote abuse Hive is done 👎🏾
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Your article is absolutely captivating! I love how you summarized a big topic like blockchain mass adoption in a relaxed yet insightful style. You managed to explain these complex challenges without sounding preachy, and I think that’s an art in itself!
Then, I was really impressed by the point about gamers and artists actually seeing real benefits from this technology, those are concrete and relevant examples. Have a great day!🙏
What are your thoughts on focusing on entrepreneurs, businesses and niche groups who already see potential in blockchain tech?
I think focusing on entrepreneurs, businesses, and niche groups who see the potential in blockchain is practical and very impactful. Why? Because they will be more receptive to adopting the technology, allowing for faster implementation, and fostering trust that can drive wider adoption over time. Like your post yesterday, for example.
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Interesante post 😊 realmente pienso que Hive es una de las plataformas más estables que he conocido, la complejidad al principio detiene la participación, hay que estudiar mucho para poder navegar aquí yo tarde 2 meses para comprender como hacerlo, pero eso me parece que le da seriedad, en lo financiero no comprendo mucho si será positivo o negativo este sistema, pero se que todo irá cada vez evolucionado para mejor, me toca seguir estudiando
I really agree that most people are unwilling to learn and educate themselves about blockchain. Which is honestly complicated for now and I hope this can be simplified over time.
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Participate in the next Power Up Day and try to power-up more HIVE to get a bigger Power-Bee.
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