Jan 21, 2026

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Vitalik Buterin Embraces Decentralized Social Networks Fully by 2026

Vitalik Buterin to Embrace Decentralized Social Platforms by 2026

Vitalik Buterin announces plans to fully transition to decentralized social platforms in 2026, citing the need for better mass communication tools that prioritize long-term user benefit over short-term attention.
He advocates for decentralization, which allows for competition through shared data layers, enabling anyone to build a client.

Current Engagement with Decentralized Platforms

Buterin has been using decentralized social tools exclusively in 2026 through Firefly, an app integrating X, Lens, Farcaster, and Bluesky.
Lens and Farcaster are blockchain-based networks granting users full control over their profiles; Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol.
Firefly offers a unified interface, reducing reliance on a single platform, and Buterin encourages the crypto community to adopt these decentralized systems.

Critique of Past Crypto Social Projects

Buterin criticizes previous crypto social projects for incorporating speculative coins, leading to temporary price surges rather than enhancing content quality.
He cites Substack as a model where financial support does not create token price bubbles.
Recent developments include Lens' announcement of Mask Network assuming stewardship, with Buterin commending Aave's management and expressing optimism for Lens' future growth.