Blockchain Apps Have Failed to Win Over the Masses, Ethereum Builders Admit

Decrypt

by Jason Nelson

February 22, 2026

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Blockchain Apps Have Failed to Win Over the Masses, Ethereum Builders Admit

Ethereum builders at ETH Denver have acknowledged a significant challenge facing the cryptocurrency industry: while substantial progress has been made in developing the underlying infrastructure, there remains a critical gap in creating user-friendly products that appeal to mainstream consumers. John Paller, founder of ETH Denver, and Zachary Williamson, co-founder of Aztec Foundation, highlighted that Web3 has failed to deliver applications that are both functional and superior to existing Web2 services. Despite advancements in blockchain technology over the past decade, the lack of adoption stems from poor user experiences and a failure to replace everyday tools like Facebook or traditional payment systems with better alternatives. The issue, according to Paller and Williamson, lies in the complexity of using crypto applications. Users often need to understand technical aspects such as wallets and private keys, which creates a significant barrier to entry. This contrasts sharply with Web2 platforms that prioritize ease of use. Both speakers emphasized that for blockchain technology to achieve widespread adoption, it must integrate seamlessly into familiar applications without requiring users to consciously switch to Web3. The broader implication of this discussion is the importance of user experience in driving adoption. Crypto projects need to focus on building apps that are not only functional but also offer a better experience than their centralized counterparts. Until these technical and usability issues are addressed, mainstream acceptance of blockchain technology will remain limited. The industry's reputation, currently marred by association with scams and lackluster real-world applications, further complicates efforts to attract everyday users. In conclusion, the Ethereum builders at ETH Denver underscored that the future of crypto lies in making blockchain invisible to users—embedding it into existing platforms

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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/22/2026