“This post is taking part in the Lens x Kiwi Writing Contest”
Hello fam, this essay is born from my experiences as a user within the Ethereum ecosystem. I will address questions that have arisen along my journey, guiding this personal reflection. From my early days, influenced by popular culture and cyberpunk technology, with a strong focus on privacy, to my evolution through various subcultures of Ethereum. Today, I find myself in what many call the "Degen state", characterized by high speculation in the cryptospace. Although this is a hobby, I must warn that I don’t necessarily recommend following this path.
To set the stage, it’s crucial to define some basic concepts. Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, is often referred to as "digital gold" due to its deflationary nature and its role as a store of value. Ethereum, on the other hand, is more than just a cryptocurrency, it’s a technological building platform. Decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts are built on Ethereum, making it a key infrastructure within the blockchain world. This is what we refer to as the base layer or L1.
What should most people understand about L2?
The L2 or "Layer 2" solutions for Ethereum are designed to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs without compromising the security and decentralization of L1. This is a technical challenge that Ethereum has taken on to make its technology ready for daily, widespread use. In other words, L2 is essential for global adoption.
Unlike Web 2.0, where centralized companies dominate infrastructure and data, Web 3.0 seeks to integrate the best of both worlds: the decentralization inherent to blockchain and the seamless user experience of conventional technologies. The challenge lies in attracting new users and creating use cases that truly add value. This is not only a technical challenge but also a cultural one.
What are the main differences between existing L2 cultures?
It's important to note that each L2 can develop its own culture and norms, creating diversity within the Ethereum ecosystem. Cultures in these networks form around incentives, shared values, and how communities organize themselves. However, this message is more directed at L1 natives, who hold the power to build the necessary bridges for knowledge transfer between layers.
Today, the ecosystem feels as though it has weathered a storm, leaving paths muddy and bridges broken. For the ecosystem to thrive, it's crucial that L1 participants take the necessary actions to restore those bridges, facilitating integration and collaboration between layers. Otherwise, we risk isolating ourselves, like hermits in the mountains of the blockchain, without interaction or renewal.
This parallel with nature is no coincidence. Just as flora and fauna require cross-pollination to ensure their continuity, the blockchain ecosystem needs interaction among different actors to remain dynamic and adaptable. In this case, it doesn't matter whether we are at the top or bottom of the food chain; we all depend on the same system to survive and prosper.
What new or even crazy ideas should L2s explore?
The concept of decentralized social protocols is a fascinating area within the L2 space. A promising example is Lens Protocol, a platform that acts as a bridge where various subcultures can converge. Unlike traditional social networks, controlled by centralized corporations, Lens is built on decentralization principles, allowing users to own and control their data.
What’s most appealing about Lens is that, although it may seem like an artist-focused niche, its flexibility allows any type of community to form and flourish. The welcome is warm and open, a simple "Hello World" or a "GM" is enough to make you feel part of the ecosystem. This accessibility is key to attracting new users, while also facilitating the creation of authentic connections and content.
Among the applications I highlight that operate on Lens Protocol is Orb, an intuitive platform that emphasizes user experience. What makes Orb stand out is the dedication of its creators to making interaction in this space as smooth as on conventional platforms, but with the added benefits of decentralization. Buttrfly is opening new doors in terms of community connections, while Phaver focuses on growth and integration within the ecosystem. Hey offers advanced profile management tools, and Kaira represents a fresh perspective on social tools, designed to attract a broader audience.
The diversity of these platforms is a clear example of how L2s can facilitate social interaction, but most importantly, they allow for seamless integration without losing the essence of what Ethereum represents: user autonomy and control over their data and resources.
What is the role of identity in L2?
One of the biggest differences between L1 and L2 lies in the construction of digital identity. In L1, it’s not necessary to share personal details or have a visible presence, in fact, privacy remains one of the most valued principles for many users. However, L2s are designed to be more interactive and social, meaning online identity begins to play a more prominent role.
In L2, digital identity is built more organically, often emulating real life. It’s about generating genuine connections, whether through daily interactions or content creation, and many decentralized social platforms are exploring ways to make this identity secure, private, and fully controlled by the user. This evolution is essential for the ecosystem to be strong and sustainable, as it allows diversity to flourish, ensuring a more inclusive community.
What governance experiments could L2s conduct?
Governance is one of the most intriguing topics in the L2 space. One of the most promising experiments in this area is zkSync - The Elastic Chain, which could enable more agile and efficient governance through the implementation of ZK-Rollup technology. This approach is based on privacy and the ability to conduct transactions faster and more securely, all while maintaining decentralization.
The integration of zkSync with Lens Protocol could be a crucial step towards more participatory and decentralized governance, where users have an active role in decision-making. This could allow for better alignment of incentives, fostering collaboration among different subcommunities and facilitating the onboarding of new users.
Conclusion
The effective integration of L1 and L2 is crucial for the long-term success of the Ethereum ecosystem. It's not just about solving technical issues like scalability, it's about building a culturally diverse ecosystem, where collaboration and innovation are the fundamental pillars.
To achieve this, it's necessary to strengthen the incentives that promote collaboration and the creation of real value. Only by building bridges-both technological and cultural-can we ensure a future where Ethereum, its subcultures, and its various protocols can coexist and thrive in a truly decentralized, resilient, and prepared network for the challenges of the future. Pura Vida, friends.
