In the crypto world, being a degen has become an identity. Degens are high-risk takers, the first to jump into new projects, constantly hunting for opportunities, and some of the most active users in the space. But at the same time, they might also be one of the reasons crypto is still so small.

From the outside, crypto looks like a massive industry. But in reality? It's still a niche market. When compared to traditional finance or tech, crypto’s total user base is shockingly low. And one of the biggest reasons for this? We’re stuck in our own echo chambers.

Is Crypto Fooling Itself?

Many of us believe crypto is the future of finance. But aside from repeating this belief to ourselves over and over, what are we actually doing?

• We engage with the same people on Twitter.

• We have the same debates on Discord and Forums.

• Instead of reaching new audiences, we talk in our own jargon, reinforcing our own perspectives.

For outsiders, these echo chambers can be intimidating. A Web2 user stepping into a crypto community is immediately hit with technical jargon, intense debates, and a completely unfamiliar language. The result? Instead of joining, they leave.

So how do we break this cycle?

4 Ways to Expand Crypto’s Reach

Simplify the User Experience

For a newcomer, even setting up a wallet, making a transaction, or paying gas fees can be overwhelming. Mass adoption won’t happen without Web2-level UX.

If we want more people to join, crypto projects need to be easier to use. Users should experience the benefits of decentralization without having to completely abandon Web2 habits.

Expand Beyond Crypto & Solve Real Needs

Discussions in crypto often revolve around speculation and token prices. But this only attracts short-term users, not long-term adopters.

We need to build products that solve real-world problems. Instead of saying “Crypto is good because it’s decentralized,” we need to demonstrate why it’s better.

Onboard More Web2 Users

Web3 communities shouldn’t be closed circles - they should be inclusive spaces.

• Onboarding should feel familiar to Web2 users.

• Clear guides and educational content should be available.

• The language of crypto shouldn’t only cater to degens.

If we want more people to enter, we must create spaces where they feel comfortable and understood.

Rethink Incentive Models

Most Web3 incentives today attract short-term speculators - not real users.

• Airdrops, high APRs, and liquidity mining reward those who chase tokens, not those who contribute to the ecosystem.

• We need incentive models that promote loyalty and long-term engagement instead.

Some alternatives:

• "Proof of Engagement" systems that reward long-term participation.

• Contribution-based rewards, incentivizing not just liquidity providers but also developers, content creators, and community managers.

• Instead of speculative airdrops, token distribution should be based on real and organic product usage.

Final Thoughts

Crypto won’t grow by only talking within its own echo chambers. To onboard more people, we must improve UX, focus on real needs, rethink incentives, and expand our communication beyond Web3. If we truly want crypto to succeed, we must go beyond degenity and break out of our echo chambers.

What do you think? What else can be done to bring crypto to a broader audience?