Introduction
to Web3
Social
Part 8
Understanding the basics of
decentralized social networks.
presented by
Lucky Star & Digital Altar
Web3 is transforming how we think about social interactions by giving users
greater control over their profiles, content, and data. Traditional social media
platforms are built on centralized systems, where user data is stored, owned, and often
monetized by corporations. In contrast, web3 social reimagines this model, empowering
users to truly own their digital presence by leveraging blockchain technology.
At its core, web3 social decentralizes the
management of social networks. Rather
than depending on a single entity to
manage your profile and connections,
blockchain-powered platforms allow
individuals to be in charge of their own
digital identities. Users can move their
profiles and content across different
decentralized applications (dApps) while
maintaining control over their data. This
shift promises to create a more equitable
and user-owned digital experience.
Decentralizing social
interactions.
In web3, the concept of a "social graph"
refers to how your social data — such as
connections and content — is linked across
different apps. Unlike the siloed systems of
traditional platforms, the web3 social graph
connects users and their content in a
decentralized way. This means users can
retain ownership of their relationships and
data across various platforms without losing
control when switching between dApps.
The social graph.
Web3 social platforms also prioritize
decentralized identities (DIDs), which
allow users to manage their own identities
without relying on centralized
organizations. DIDs give users the ability
to control their identity and data across
multiple platforms, fostering privacy and
independence from major tech
companies.
Decentralizing Identity.
Decentralized Services & Social Apps
Decentralized services and social apps work together in web3 to give users control over
their data and content, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This shift enhances user
privacy and security in digital interactions.
Decentralized Services
Decentralized services ensure data in
web3 social platforms remains secure
and accessible, providing the
infrastructure needed to power
decentralized apps. Examples include:
-
The Graph - helps dApps retrieve
blockchain data efficiently. -
IPFS - a decentralized storage system that
ensures data remains accessible and
censorship-resistant.
Decentralized Social Apps
Social dApps allow users to connect and
control their own content or
relationships, rather than relying on
centralized platforms. Examples include:
-
Lens Protocol - empowers users to own
their profiles and connections. -
Farcaster - offers users full control over
their social media experience.
Interoperability is another key feature of web3 social platforms. It allows users to carry their digital identity, content, and relationships across different dApps seamlessly. This cross-platform functionality ensures that users remain in control, regardless of which dApp they choose.
Interoperability:
Connecting across
platforms.
Blockchain's transparency is one of its key
features, but web3 aims to balance this
transparency with more user control over
how data is shared and managed. While
everything on the blockchain is
transparent, web3 enables users to have
more control over who can access their
data and how it is shared, without giving
up the transparency that makes
blockchain technology so powerful.
Balancing transparency
and control.
The future of social media lies in
decentralization. In this vision, users own
and control their data, content, and
relationships without reliance on
centralized platforms. This new user-
owned model represents a significant
shift in how we interact digitally, creating
a more equitable and empowering
environment for everyone.
The future of social.
Web3 social networks empower users by returning control of their identities, data, and interactions.
With decentralized platforms, users shape their own digital experiences, moving us toward a more
user-driven, democratic social ecosystem.
Decentralized social empowers users.
x
Digital Altar
This piece was written by Lucky Star, with technical guidance and editing by Digital Altar.
If you enjoyed this knowledge share, feel free to explore my website and follow me on
social media for additional content.
Take our quick 4-question quiz and see if you’re ready to dive into the next part of our series: Introduction to AI.
Ready to test your web3 knowledge?