Opinion by: Richard Johnson, chief operating officer of Data Guardians Network
As the push for Web3 adoption continues, numerous enthusiasts and organizations advocate for a departure from Web2 methodologies.
Whether through transforming Web3 tools into Web2-like applications or by reshaping business models to emphasize Web3 infrastructure, a vocal segment believes dismantling Web2 is essential for Web3’s advancement.
This perspective is misguided.
Displacing current systems is neither feasible nor advantageous in the short term, potentially curtailing Web3’s expansion and promise.
Building Consensus
Web3 provides solutions to various challenges, from economic problems to daily tasks, yet it remains complex and daunting for those outside the field.
Moreover, Oxford University has noted the “trust paradox” of blockchain technology: the contradiction between blockchain’s promise of eliminating trust concerns and the public’s inherent mistrust of the technology. These trends highlight a broader confusion and disengagement from the mass market.
This creates a scenario where users are more inclined to “play it safe” with Web2 applications instead of taking risks with Web3. This barrier is what hampers Web3 adoption. Innovators cannot depend solely on Web3’s advantages; they must engage with existing systems to attract a broader audience.
Related: Here’s how hybrid blockchain solutions bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3
The Web3 Framework
Collaboration between Web2 and Web3 is currently taking place, mainly driven by Web2 companies. In the finance sector, large players like PayPal, Visa, and major banks are integrating crypto and blockchain services, thereby legitimizing them for the general public. Additionally, Amazon Web Services has initiated Web3 labs, while Google Cloud is exploring zero-knowledge proofs, integrating Web3 into traditional offerings.
While Web2 applications strive for a compromise, Web3 developers should do the same, utilizing Web2’s established user base to accelerate their growth. Much like how 4G supported the launch of 5G, Web2 methodologies can assist in creating superior Web3 applications.
Applying This Concept
Web3 developers can strike a balance between decentralization and user convenience by emphasizing accessibility, from intuitive UX to easily understandable names. They should also be aware of how their products could aid Web2 organizations.
Often, Web3 enthusiasts presume the superiority of their approach is self-evident, neglecting the need to clarify why it is advantageous. This can alienate potential users rather than attracting them. Showing practical benefits through interaction with Web2 offerings can help connect both sectors.
A notable example is the interplay between AI and blockchain. If every piece of data employed to train an AI model was reliably tracked on blockchain—be it original or frontier data—its origin, use, and results could be instantly verified, eliminating disputes.
Ultimately, a solid idea will succeed, regardless of whether it’s a Web3 application.
Showcasing this value—even if it requires engaging with Web2 sectors—will bolster the tool’s legitimacy and attract broader attention from the public.
Innovating Through Engagement
While it may seem uncomfortable to integrate Web2 practices to foster greater trust in a Web3 tool, the advantages are clear. Introducing any technology to the mass market can create various challenges, such as initial bugs or scaling issues. Research from Nielsen indicates that usability testing with real users can enhance a product’s success rate by up to 500%. Thus, encouraging Web2 users to explore Web3 applications will result in a superior final product.
Discussions on “Web2 vs. Web3” may attract attention, but successful companies rarely confine themselves to a label. They are AI firms, financial institutions, consumer platforms, and data companies, utilizing the tools that best serve their market. No consumer wakes up wanting to use “a Web3 app”; they seek better banking, smarter AI, or more practical platforms.
The true victors will be those who effectively leverage Web3 to address real issues, not those chasing purity points.
Partnering with Web2 broadens the user base, offering more opportunities for testing, iteration, and enhancement. Web3’s enthusiastic community has yet to achieve mass-market appeal, and realizing this goal requires embracing Web2 practices, habits, and infrastructure that have guided technology adoption for years.
Opinion by: Richard Johnson, chief operating officer of Data Guardians Network.
This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
