This article retraces the round table “Web3 and responsible digital technology, a possible marriage?”, organized on September 19, 2023 during the first edition of UX-Conf – Human First. Moderated by Clément Fages, digital journalist, this round table brought together four speakers:
- Marie Robin, Fleet Collective
- Simon Foucher, Metav.rs
- Yves Le Goff, Monumental
- Dan Geiselhart, Media Climax
The digital landscape has evolved in recent years with the emergence of Web3. While Web2 has dominated our digital lives for years based on models of access in exchange for private data, Web3 represents the new frontier. But, what really differentiates Web3 from Web2? Is this a lasting revolution or just a passing trend? Is it possible to reconcile Web3 with ethical and responsible values?
Web3: a new digital era
To understand Web3, it is essential to compare it to Web2. Web2 is characterized by access to digital services in exchange for private data. They are often exploited by large technology companies. On the other hand, Web3 presents itself as a digital democracy. Indeed, users can regain control of their private data.
Yves Le Goff, co-creator of the NFT purchasing platform Monumental, summarizes Web3 as digital democratization. NFTs allow artists to certify their works, receive royalties on each resale, and publish their creations without going through galleries. This technology then gives more power to artists and redefines the dynamic between creators, buyers and intermediaries. Brands have also seized this opportunity. They have created strong communities, powered by collector NFTs made available to customers.
Create communities with Web3
Simon Foucher highlights that Web3 offers new possibilities for brands to create native digital communities. The Casino group, for example, introduced NFT avatars allowing specific promotions to be unlocked for each holder. Starbucks has migrated its loyalty system to the blockchain. Thus, they offer more transparency and traceability.
Simon qualifies this statement by mentioning barriers to entry, such as the use of exchange platforms and specialized sites. According to him, the democratization of Web3 depends on the simplicity and interest in NFTs. This is why his company, Metav.rs, helps reduce barriers to entry by offering wallet services and making it easier to acquire NFTs.
The use of Web3 in the world of work
Marie Robin from Fleet Collective uses Web3 to create a community that empowers freelancers. The platform allows you to lock the price of a service, to contract without an intermediary (and therefore without commission), and to work anonymously anywhere in the world while certifying your skills via the blockchain. Web3 then represents opportunities for atypical profiles and is offered as a means of fighting against inequalities by resolving certain problems linked to international work (unstable currencies, absence of a banking system, etc.).
According to Marie, blockchain allows each talent to certify their skills on a global marketplace, which allows everyone to better put themselves forward on the job market (without going through recruiters who retain the knowledge).
Web3 and responsible digital
However, it is important to ask whether Web3 is really necessary and how to make it more accountable. Dan Geiselhart, co-founder of Média Climax, specializing in technology and ecology, highlights the importance of thinking about the social and environmental usefulness of each Web3 project. He points out that not all Web3-based projects are necessarily useful.
Indeed, the rise of Web3 has given rise to numerous startups, some offering real social added value, others not. It is essential to go beyond speculative logic and question the merits of using this technology.
Safeguards and Ethical Issues
Speakers also discussed the safeguards needed to ensure an ethical Web3. Yves Le Goff underlines the interest of Web3 compared to its predecessor, which gave enormous powers to big digital players through the collection of personal data. The protection of intellectual property is also a key subject, the use of blockchain making it possible to remunerate artists each time the work is sold, or when the artist's intellectual property is exploited (in particular by generative AI).
Using Web3 for traceability and identity protection
Blockchain also offers solutions to guarantee the traceability of business processes, in order to guarantee more transparency to consumers. It can also strengthen identity protection and help fight against fake news and deepfakes, which are increasingly present around us.
From a “gadget” start to real concrete uses
If Web3 was born with few identified uses, it now offers ethical applications that use blockchain for its transparency and accessibility. However, it is important not to fall into speculation and to question the real social and environmental value of each Web3 project. One of the major challenges of Web3 is its environmental impact. Blockchain is energy intensive, but solutions are emerging to limit excessive energy consumption. The more a technology is democratized, the more solutions appear to make it less resource-intensive.
Conclusion: Web3 and responsible digital, a marriage in progress…
In conclusion, Web3 has brought real uses beyond initial speculation. It has enabled artists to regain control of their creations, freelancers to emancipate themselves and certify their skills, and brands to create digital communities while strengthening the traceability of their processes. However, for this revolution to be sustainable and ethical, it is essential to ensure that Web3 is used responsibly. Not all projects are equal, and technology must be put at the service of the common good, the environment and social equity so that Web 3 can truly bring positive and lasting change.
The future of Web3 remains in the hands of users. It is up to the community of users, artists, brands, freelancers and all stakeholders to ensure that Web3 is ethical and responsible. The most useful projects will eventually find their place in our daily lives.
Thanks to UX Republic and the speakers at UX Conf for these fascinating discussions. Follow us on LinkedIn to be informed of upcoming events!
Orane Lefevre, Product designer – UX-Republic
