Simply Digital: Blockchain, Web3, and AI — Empty Promises or Real Impact?
Simply Digital: Blockchain, Web3, and AI — Empty Promises or Real Impact?
This is an ad from Silicon Valley when I worked there in the 90s. Created by a female marketing executive. Not me.
In today’s digital age, we’re surrounded by talk about blockchain, Web3, and AI. They’re heralded as the keys to a future where finance is democratized, communities are empowered, and society becomes more equitable. But let’s be honest — how many of these projects are truly about impact, and how many are just throwing around buzzwords to sound good? Grand intentions mean nothing if they aren’t backed by action, courage, and a belief in the difference you can make.
Strength, Vision, and a Pioneer’s Spirit
The image you see here was originally created by a woman at Palm — a reminder that strength and innovation come in many forms. It takes guts to be a pioneer, whether you’re building the next Palm device, revolutionizing blockchain, or working on the streets of Medellín, Colombia, where I’ve seen both the best and the worst of what humanity has to offer.
I’ve visited areas in Medellín, where the homeless live by a concrete riverbed. It’s peaceful but also dangerous. I know this personally; a friend of mine, a humble Christian doing God’s work, was stabbed there. And yet, amid the struggle, I met a Nigerian activist — a youth worker fighting every day to help these people. This is where technology like blockchain, AI, and Web3 could step in to make a real difference. But it won’t happen through academic papers or polished conference talks. It requires boots on the ground and individuals unafraid to face the grit and grind of real life.
The Real and the Potential
Let’s not forget, there are projects out there doing it right. Companies like Uniswap and Compound don’t just talk about impact; they act on it. By offering decentralized financial services that bypass traditional banking barriers, they’re enabling people to take control of their financial futures. They combine peer-to-peer trading and AI analytics to create real opportunities, especially for those who are otherwise locked out of the financial system. This is the kind of impact we’re talking about.
And then, there’s the humanitarian work being done by non-profits using blockchain. The World Food Programme’s transparent food distribution in crisis zones is a prime example. Integrating AI into their supply chain makes them more responsive, efficient, and, most importantly, impactful. They know who they’re serving, how to do it, and they track success with real metrics. This isn’t theory — it’s execution.
The Murky Middle: When Intent Falls Short
But then, we encounter companies sitting in the murky middle. They talk about “empowering communities” and “banking the unbanked” but don’t follow through on these lofty promises. NFT marketplaces claim to “democratize art,” but they largely serve artists who already have the means to promote themselves. Similarly, AI-driven DeFi platforms love to preach about “opening up investment opportunities,” yet they cater mostly to those with the technical knowledge to navigate these systems.
It’s clear they’re dabbling in impact, not committing to it. If you’re unwilling to tackle the real challenges — education, access, and opportunity — then you’re not transforming the world. You’re just playing in the margins.
To the Opportunists: Put Up or Shut Up
Then there are the outright opportunists — the companies slapping “blockchain,” “Web3,” and “AI” on their branding to cash in on the hype. They talk about “helping humanity” but have no plan, no target audience, and no way to measure success. Their mission statements are nothing but smoke screens.
To them, I say: put your money where your mouth is or shut up and step aside. We’re not here for grand speeches and empty words. Real impact means showing up, taking risks, and putting in the work.
What True Impact Looks Like
Here’s what separates real action-takers from the hype-makers:
Define Your Target: “Helping humanity” is too broad. Who exactly are you serving? Are you focusing on the homeless in Medellín, the small business owners in Southeast Asia, or students with limited access to education? Identify your audience, and suddenly, your mission becomes both credible and actionable.Actionable Steps: Don’t sell me on “impact” if you don’t have a concrete plan. Who are your partners? How will you educate and onboard users? How will you navigate regulations? You need a playbook, not just talking points.Conviction: Belief isn’t optional. You need the conviction that your actions will lead to real change. This isn’t about wishful thinking; it’s about running pilot programs, collecting data, and making adjustments.Metrics for Success: Numbers matter. How are you reducing remittance costs? Boosting economic activity? Increasing user engagement in underserved areas? If you’re not tracking this, you’re not serious.
Simply Digital. Simply Strong.
This call to action goes out to technologists, investors, Christians, developers, women in tech, students, and strategists alike. We need strength, vision, and the resolve of pioneers — like the woman who created that Palm ad, and like the people on the ground making real change happen. If you’re in this space, make sure you’re here to do something, not just to talk.
To those with influence and resources — Pompliano, Musk, and others — if you’re serious about change, then back the projects that are already in the trenches. Support those who have a clear target, a concrete plan, and the conviction to push through challenges.
Otherwise? Step aside. We need more than buzzwords; we need doers ready to tackle real problems. The world can’t wait for you to decide if you’re all in.
Simply Digital. Simply Strong. Simply Action.
It’s time to be more than just words. Bring everything you’ve got or get out of the way.
