I know we hear this a lot— Web3, blockchain, NFTs, the buzzwords are a mile a minute. Yet behind the tech, a human story unfolds. This is the most sad part of this narrative, especially for the youth, who are still tremendously building and crafting this city. And on the continent of Asia, that story is especially powerful. Beyond the lines of code, it’s about empowerment, ownership, and a generation who are tired of waiting taking control.

Why Aren't We Listening To Them?

Think about it: the internet was built by young innovators. Where's that spirit now? Have we gotten too caught up with keeping an eye on VC funding rounds and seven-figure NFT sales? Finally, most importantly, let’s not forget the grassroots movement! I believe so.

I recently discovered a growing online community of Asian American and immigrant teens developing dApps, minting NFTs, and joining DAOs. These aren’t the typical, passive users of the general public; they’re makers, active contributors. They're learning skills that many adults haven't even heard of, and they're doing it with a passion that's truly inspiring.

  • They are building the future, but are they even being heard?
  • Are we even listening?

It's easy to dismiss them as naive or inexperienced, but that's a mistake. They drive a new and innovative perspective – one that is not burdened by the legacy systems and old school thinking that weaved their way into the tech industry. And they understand that Web3 can be so much more than a make-money machine. They see it as an opportunity to build a more just and distributed society on the other side.

Beyond the Hype, Real Human Impact

Web3’s promise of decentralization must be more than a buzzword. For these teens, it's about real-world impact. It’s about cutting out old gatekeepers and making new opportunities that can benefit them and their communities. Now imagine that same young artist in rural Vietnam. Now, they can sell their digital art directly to collectors all over the world, bypassing the need for galleries or other intermediaries. That's the power of Web3. That's the potential they see.

Consider the centralised financial structures that have long marginalised vulnerable populations. Now imagine that same teenager in the Philippines. They’re using crypto to send remittances back home to their family, avoiding cumbersome fees and middlemen. The decentralised economy, within this frame, is not just a trendy catchphrase — it’s a lifesaving circuit breaker.

It's not just about finance, though. It's about community building. DAOs inspire teens to build and learn collectively. Specifically, they create the opportunity for these young innovators to design and construct projects that address local community needs. They're not just consumers of technology; they're creators, builders, and leaders.

Our Responsibility: Guidance, Not Gatekeeping

That’s where our role comes in. Not as gatekeepers, informing them of all the things they are not allowed to do, but as guides, serving as mentors and providing advice and assistance.

No one’s asking for charity, though. This is an investment worth making for a productive future. These teens are the next generation architects of the Web3 revolution. By backing them now, we’re creating a more decentralized, equitable, and innovative future for all of us.

  • Provide access to resources: This includes educational materials, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs.
  • Foster a safe and inclusive environment: The Web3 space can be intimidating, especially for young people. We need to create communities where they feel welcome, supported, and empowered to experiment.
  • Listen to their ideas: They have a unique perspective on the future of the internet. We need to listen to their ideas and learn from their experiences.

The evolving landscape of Web3 technologies such as NFTs, crypto, and dApps offer new opportunities, as well as complexities. The digital landscape is overwhelming, and these courageous teens are battling the bad with an amazing mix of courage and conviction. So let’s support their motives, enhance their messages, and join in common purpose to create this decentralized tomorrow that serves us all.

Let’s be honest, a lot of us are still working through ideas of what Web3 is and isn’t. These young Asian innovators? They’re not just trying to imagine it, they’re creating it. That’s not only an amazing story to tell, but an incredible future to be investing in. It’s time to stop focusing on the what of Web3 and start focusing on the who – especially the young, often-overlooked pioneers leading the charge.

Let's face it, many of us are still trying to figure out what Web3 really is. But these young Asian innovators? They're not just figuring it out, they're building it. And that's a story worth telling, and a future worth investing in. It’s time to stop focusing on the what of Web3 and start focusing on the who – especially the young, often-overlooked pioneers leading the charge.