Introduction to Web3’s Gatekeeping Problem
The Web3 industry has been touted as a beacon of decentralization and accessibility, yet it has inadvertently created a culture of exclusion. By prioritizing complexity and insider knowledge, the industry is sabotaging its own potential for mainstream adoption. In this article, we will explore the ways in which Web3’s gatekeeping mentality is hindering its growth and discuss potential solutions to this problem.
The Prevalence of Gatekeeping in Web3
Gatekeeping in Web3 manifests in various ways, including the use of jargon, insider references, and complex user interfaces. These barriers to entry exclude users, developers, and talent, ultimately slowing down the adoption and growth of the ecosystem. According to a survey, 70% of users admit that they do not understand what Web3 is, highlighting the need for more accessible and user-friendly designs. Centralized exchanges also control which projects reach users, creating obstacles that contradict the blockchain’s permissionless architecture.
The Consequences of Gatekeeping
The consequences of gatekeeping in Web3 are far-reaching. By excluding qualified professionals and users, the industry is limiting its potential for growth and adoption. The market value of Web3 is expected to reach $81.5 billion by 2030, but achieving this scale requires abandoning the fortress mentality that currently defines the space. Poor user experience is considered the biggest barrier to mainstream adoption, and gatekeeping directly undermines the economic viability and philosophical foundation of blockchain.
Cypherpunk or Bust: The Original Ethos of Web3
The cypherpunk ethos that inspired Ethereum (ETH) was based on accessibility and permissionless participation, not technical gatekeeping. Defenders of gatekeeping claim that it protects quality and prevents speculation, but this argument fails when examining projects that prioritize accessibility without sacrificing substance. Gatekeeping has not protected Web3 from fraud, exploits, or harmful speculation; instead, it has concentrated these risks on a smaller, less diverse pool of participants.
Breaking Down Barriers: Success Stories
Projects that prioritize accessibility without sacrificing substance have achieved significant success. SheFi’s 8-week Web3 training program, which does not require any blockchain knowledge, has grown to over 3,000 members in 90 countries. Pudgy Penguins generated over $10 million in retail sales by launching NFTs in 3,100 Walmart stores, demonstrating that accessible design can scale faster than elite recognition. These examples prove that breaking down technical and cultural barriers can achieve mainstream appeal and accelerate adoption.
What’s Next for Web3?
The blockchain industry is at a crossroads. Projects that treat accessibility as a core strategy rather than an afterthought will dominate the next decade. Those who defend gatekeeping as a form of quality control will remain trapped in echo chambers, talking about revolution while practicing elitism. Web3 was designed to eliminate intermediaries and democratize participation, but until the industry applies these principles to its own culture, the contradiction will continue to undermine everything blockchain claims to create.
According to Reka Medvecz, Director of Marketing at Boundless Network, “The blockchain industry has the technology to build without permission. What it lacks is the cultural willingness to do so.” Medvecz has earned a reputation for transforming complex, deeply technical products into narratives that feel human, relevant, and easy to understand. Her work aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and the people who could benefit from it, whether they identify as “crypto-native” or are entering the space for the first time.
Reka Medvecz is the Director of Marketing at Boundless Network, where she focuses on making advanced cryptography and infrastructure intuitive for developers, creators, and mainstream audiences. Previously, she co-founded Guild.xyz, helping thousands of Web3 communities structure on-chain access, membership, and rewards.
Read the original article at https://crypto.news/web3-has-a-gatekeeping-problem-opinion/
