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Predicting the future is a daunting task, as the ever-changing nature of technology makes it challenging to foresee what lies ahead. Yet, it is undeniable that groundbreaking technologies, like the internet, are not solely driven by measurable factors. They thrive on culture, experience, and the passionate involvement of an “in-group.” Regarding crypto and Web 3.0, industry experts, including Chris Dixon, believe that we are witnessing the early days of a transformative revolution reminiscent of the excitement and possibilities that fueled Web 2.0. In this article, we explore the potential future of crypto over the next five years, highlighting the correlation between rich product design spaces and the interests of forward-thinking individuals.
Richness of Product Possibilities as a Predictor for Future Growth
Looking back at the evolution of the internet, we realize that significant technological advancements often start as seemingly insignificant “toys.” As Chris Dixon aptly pointed out, “The next big thing will start out looking like a toy.” Web 2.0, with its user-generated content, social graphs, and innovative design possibilities, captured the imagination of smart people, sparking numerous conversations and leading to groundbreaking ideas. Combining different features, applying design patterns to new contexts, and inventing original product concepts became the source of excitement and anticipation. In contrast, more “serious” technological developments, such as security appliances, seemed confined and limited in their potential.
“Things that look interesting to smart people usually do so because they are rich with product possibilities. These possibilities eventually become reality. Toys become must-have tools. Weekend hobbies become mainstream activities. Cynics sound smart but optimists build the future.”
Chris Dixon
Fast forward to the present, it feels the same with crypto; there are just so many product possibilities. So we find ourselves amidst another paradigm-shifting wave. Similar to the early days of the internet, being part of the “in-group” and experiencing the culture surrounding crypto is key to understanding its true potential. The vibrant crypto community engages in spirited discussions, sharing ideas, and exploring the vast possibilities of this emerging technology.
State of Crypto Today
The cryptocurrency market is currently characterized by notable progress and setbacks. On one hand, new builders are joining the web3 space rapidly, academic research is advancing, and crucial infrastructure is improving. Ethereum’s successful transition to energy-saving proof-of-stake is a significant milestone. On the other hand, negative events have garnered attention, leading to project failures, investor losses, and a decline in DeFi and NFT activity. Market cycles in the crypto space follow a logic where rising prices drive innovation. Regulation is evolving, with proposed bills, court deliberations, and enforcement actions shaping the landscape. Despite setbacks, there is an opportunity to champion decentralized systems as a resilient alternative to centralized models. The future of web3 technologies is crucial for the evolution of the Internet.
Remember, the financial cycle and the product cycles are not in sync. One of the best companies have been created during the financial crisis, as shown below.
And despite the current downturn in prices, the cryptocurrency industry is undeniably experiencing substantial growth. To grasp the bigger picture, all you have to do is to look at developer activity and product launches and highlight the industry’s upward trajectory. Various metrics demonstrate this upward trend, including active addresses, academic publications, and developer activity. These metrics can be viewed in a16z’s presentation or their comprehensive state of crypto index, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s progress.
Taking a step back and considering the broader adoption since 2016 can help put things into perspective. It’s crucial to look beyond price fluctuations and focus on other indicators that reflect the industry as a whole.
Moreover, when comparing the crypto industry to the adoption curves of other innovative technologies, it’s worth noting that major transformations often take time. Just like how Google emerged as a dominant force within a decade, it may take approximately 20 years for cryptocurrency to establish itself fully. We are now entering the second stage of a 20-year mass adoption cycle. Therefore, it’s important to recognize that we are still in the early days, with immense potential and uncharted frontiers ahead of us.
The Pillars and Promise of the Crypto Future
In the realm of crypto startups, a transformative tide is rising, driven by the urgent need to address the inadequacies of our existing systems. As we gaze upon the landscape of Big Tech dominance, government overreach, and limited opportunities, the allure of crypto’s potential becomes undeniable. It presents a pathway towards better alternatives, where principles like Truth, Inclusion, and Alignment reign supreme. Truth, embodied by privacy and the eradication of trust dependencies, empowers individuals to secure their financial affairs with transparency and autonomy. Inclusion opens the doors to a world where everyone, irrespective of their origins, can partake in the same services, unlocking economic opportunities for all. Lastly, Alignment unravels the age-old dilemmas of principal-agent conflicts, forging an economic fabric where incentives are harmonized and shared prosperity becomes the norm. In this epoch of change, where discontent with the status quo permeates our collective consciousness, crypto emerges as the force that promises liberation, autonomy, and the rebalancing of power. Within these digital realms, we may uncover the seeds of a new future fueled by innovation, empowerment, and the unyielding spirit of possibility.
In his article, sometimes referred to as “Archbishop of Crypto,” Balaji Srinivasan created 10 ideological pillars on how crypto might be better for civilization:
- Crypto protects human rights in countries with unstable economies and authoritarian regimes.
- It provides currency stability and acts as a potential hedge against inflation.
- Crypto’s decentralization guarantees fairness and democratizes access to financial services.
- Decentralized social networks enable free speech and offer alternatives to centralized platforms.
- Crypto protects private property and enhances online privacy through encryption.
- The crypto industry emerges as the next center of innovation, surpassing Silicon Valley.
- Smart contracts on blockchain technology provide reliable and predictable agreements.
- Crypto’s economic alignment bridges social polarization and fosters shared prosperity.
- International protocols in crypto facilitate cross-border trade and trust between nations.
Where is The Future Crypto Cultural Shift Heading in 5 Years?
The future of blockchain technology is full of potential catalysts that can drive its widespread adoption and revolutionize various industries. While predicting computing waves is challenging, several emerging categories show promise.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are internet-native collectives that transcend borders, allowing global collaboration and resource sharing toward common goals. They enable efficient decision-making, collective ownership, and the creation of innovative products and services.
Social tokens are disrupting traditional revenue models for creators, empowering them to monetize their work directly. By removing intermediaries, social tokens foster the growth of vibrant mini-economies that align incentives between creators and their communities.
Blockchain-based social networks are built on principles of transparency and user commitment. These networks provide a solid foundation for developers to create without concerns of changing APIs or shifting economic dynamics, fostering a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications.
Crypto-enabled 3D worlds and metaverse experiences offer exciting opportunities for social interaction, economic participation, and creative expression. These immersive environments ensure interoperability and genuine ownership of digital assets, enabling users to socialize, earn income, and build unique virtual realms.
Perhaps it can even go that far, that new states powered by crypto. These so-called Network States will emerge, promising various improvements over legacy-run nation-states.
While these ideas hold promise, it’s important to recognize that entrepreneurs are the ones who shape the future. They possess the ingenuity to develop groundbreaking solutions that may currently seem unfamiliar or even strange to us. The best ideas that will drive the next wave of blockchain killer apps might be yet to come, awaiting the visionary minds of those who dare to imagine the possibilities.
Which Culture will win?
While skeptics dismiss cryptocurrencies as scams and lacking seriousness, the true spirit and culture of the cryptoeconomy are guided by Bitcoin maximalists, who uphold the values of trust, predictability, and sovereignty.
The fiat-minded individuals give up their control and destiny to external forces, whereas the crypto community seeks to reclaim their autonomy and shape their own future. This dissension reflects a spiritual war, a battle of differing worldviews and ideologies.
Despite resistance from the fiat system, it is becoming increasingly evident that this is a cultural shift, with individuals recognizing the advantages of cryptocurrencies. The acceptance and adoption of crypto reflect a choice to align with a culture that values transparency, decentralization, and financial self-determination.
As people decide which path to take, their preferences will become apparent. The products and services they choose to use will demonstrate their inclination towards either the traditional fiat culture or the emerging crypto culture. For those of us in the crypto space, the preference is clear — we believe in the potential of cryptocurrencies to empower individuals, foster innovation, and reshape the future.
In conclusion, the emergence of the cryptoeconomy represents a cultural shift and a battle for financial sovereignty. While skeptics may dismiss cryptocurrencies, the true spirit and culture of the cryptoeconomy are guided by Bitcoin maximalists who value trust, predictability, and self-determination. As people align themselves with the culture they resonate with, their choices in using products and participating in the cryptoeconomy will shape the future landscape. For those in the crypto community, the choice is clear as we embrace the crypto culture and the transformative potential it holds.
Morpher as an Exemplary Project of a Promising Crypto Future
Projects and products created on top of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, such as Morpher, have the potential to completely innovate and reshape current narratives and make current products look old. Crypto enables you to think outside the box and gives your users many unique advantages.
Morpher offers a range of features that empower individuals and level the playing field. With Morpher, users can trade 24/7, engage in fractional trading, and short any market. These capabilities give average individuals arguably even more possibilities than accredited investors, democratizing access to financial opportunities.
Furthermore, Morpher eliminates the requirement of putting up a specific amount of cash, making it more inclusive. Anyone from anywhere in the world can participate in the platform and seize the opportunities it offers. This inclusivity is a significant benefit, as it breaks down barriers and allows individuals from all backgrounds to engage in financial markets.
Morpher’s user-centric approach goes beyond inclusion. By allowing users to be in charge of their funds, it ensures the truth and security of their assets. Unlike other platforms where funds can be seized or manipulated, Morpher empowers users with full ownership and control, enhancing trust in the system.
Moreover, Morpher aligns the interests of the company and its users. As more people join the platform, a network effect is created, leading to a higher token price and providing the company with more resources to develop new features and enhance the user experience. This alignment fosters true innovation, as the success of the company directly benefits the users, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
In contrast to traditional trading platforms that primarily aim to extract fees and profit from users, Morpher stands firmly on the side of the user. Not only does it not charge fees, but it also introduces never-before-seen markets such as Watches, Unique NFTs, and Sneakers. This innovative approach expands the possibilities and introduces novel trading opportunities to users.
Cultural impact is another aspect where Morpher shines. The platform can create new markets for users, even as a lighthearted joke, such as the onion market that has been banned elsewhere. Or the creation of a Pizza Index, where you can bet on an index of prices of the ingredient commodities that go into a pizza. Along the lines of giving the people what they want, and they want “Pizza,” which is basically a metaphor for trading culture, something that people understand, unlike difficult financial statements! This demonstrates crypto’s forward-thinking and disruptive nature, challenging the traditional financial dinosaurs and showcasing that crypto is the future.
In conclusion, Morpher and the wider crypto industry offer a paradigm shift in financial applications and secondarily influence culture as a whole. With user-centric features, full ownership of assets, inclusivity, alignment of interests, and groundbreaking markets, Morpher exemplifies cryptocurrencies’ innovative potential.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies, predicting the exact future of crypto in the next five years is challenging. While we cannot provide definitive answers or forecast price movements, we can highlight the potential for innovation and cultural shifts within the industry.
The crypto space is attracting intelligent individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a wealth of product options and opportunities for experimentation. Also, as we assessed, perhaps the next crypto bull run is already approaching.
As we move forward, staying informed, remaining open-minded, and engaging with the crypto community will help us navigate the industry’s dynamic nature. While we cannot predict the future, we can anticipate continued growth, innovation, and transformative ideas shaping the future of finance and beyond.
“But the same creative patterns that happened in the 2000s live on today, driven by enthusiasts who see possibilities where others don’t. You just need to know where to look. My belief is that the best place to look is crypto and web 3.”
Chris Dixon
In summary, the future of crypto holds immense promise, attracting brilliant minds and fostering cultural shifts. While we cannot provide definitive answers, seeking insights from reputable sources will help us understand potential price developments and navigate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Disclaimer: All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, or individual’s trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. This post does not constitute investment advice.
Painless trading for everyone
Hundreds of markets all in one place - Apple, Bitcoin, Gold, Watches, NFTs, Sneakers and so much more.
Painless trading for everyone
Hundreds of markets all in one place - Apple, Bitcoin, Gold, Watches, NFTs, Sneakers and so much more.
