Only 8% of people worldwide are familiar with Web3. Why?

In a year marked by unprecedented events, 2021 saw not only the rise of cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and Bitcoin but also the emergence of a groundbreaking concept – Web3. Fast forward to today, and only 8% of people are familiar with Web3. This raises an important question: What exactly is Web3, and what has happened since its inception?

The Enigma

Web3 was anticipated to become a household term, but recent research by YouGov and Consensys reveals that it is still relatively unknown, with just 8% of people claiming familiarity. This revelation prompts us to delve deeper into the challenges Web3 has faced since its inception.

Web3’s journey has been marked by high expectations, but it appears that the reality has fallen short. The crypto space, characterized by its ever-evolving nature, is still figuring out how to harness the potential of Web3 fully. Critics argue that this concept, much like gazing at a perplexing painting, leaves people unsure of what it aims to achieve.

A Surprising Discovery

Interestingly, the survey uncovered a paradox – people are concerned about the very issues that Web3 promises to address. For instance, 79% of respondents express a desire for more control over their online identity, 83% emphasize data privacy, and 67% believe in owning what they create. These findings indicate a potential market for Web3 solutions. However, it also highlights the complexity of the problems Web3 seeks to solve.

The tech world was abuzz when Facebook rebranded as Meta, signifying its commitment to the metaverse. Meta envisions a digital realm bridging the real and virtual worlds. Mark Zuckerberg reiterated this commitment, emphasizing the parallel development of AI and the metaverse.

Meta’s Financial Landscape

Meta’s journey in 2022 has been marked by financial ups and downs. Its Facebook Reality Labs (FRL) business, responsible for the metaverse, reported a loss of $13.7 billion against revenues of $2.2 billion, compared to a loss of $10.2 billion in the previous year.

Meta’s transformation into a metaverse-focused entity contrasts sharply with the ideals of Web3. Meta, as a powerful tech giant with a complex past, differs significantly from the decentralized and transparent vision of Web3. This divergence highlights the difficulty in defining both concepts clearly.

The Struggles of the Crypto Sector

The crypto sector, including metaverse and Web3 tokens, has faced challenges. Bitcoin remains over 55% below its all-time high, while rising interest rates have disrupted the macro-environment, impacting risk assets.

Interest in Bitcoin has waned, evident from low search volumes over the past two years. The metaverse has suffered even more. Metaverse coins listed on CoinMarketCap have plummeted, with top currencies experiencing drops of at least 84%, averaging 92%.

Crypto has been a challenging terrain for all players, and the metaverse’s struggles have cast doubt on this new concept. Some tokens and projects associated with the metaverse, despite their alignment with Web3 promises, have proven to be futile. The lessons learned from studying metaverse coins can inform ongoing space projects.

Conclusion

Web3, once poised to revolutionize the digital landscape, remains largely unfamiliar to the masses. While the concept holds promise in addressing critical online issues, its complex nature poses a significant challenge. On the other hand, Meta’s transformation into a metaverse-focused entity highlights the divergence between established tech giants and the Web3 vision.

The crypto sector, including Web3 and metaverse tokens, faces hurdles in a changing macro-environment. Interest in Bitcoin has dwindled, and metaverse coins have experienced substantial declines. These challenges underscore the volatile and unpredictable nature of the crypto space.

In conclusion, the journey of Web3 and the metaverse is still unfolding, with both concepts navigating uncharted waters. The lessons learned from their struggles will undoubtedly shape the future of the digital landscape, offering valuable insights for those embarking on similar ventures. To delve deeper into Web3, be sure to check out our detailed article on the topic.