Vitalik fully returns to decentralized social networking—what does he want to change?

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently announced a clear plan: to fully return to decentralized social networks by 2026. This is not just a personal choice but a systematic reflection on the entire social ecosystem. He believes that to build a better society, we first need better large-scale communication tools—tools that should help people filter high-quality information and find consensus, rather than maximizing short-term interactions and emotional conflicts.

From Personal Action to Systemic Thinking

Vitalik is not just talking theoretically. He has already started using decentralized social tools for daily reading and posting since early 2026, with all content synchronized across platforms like Firefly, X, Lens, Farcaster, and Bluesky. This action itself is a signal: decentralized social networking is no longer an idealistic promise but a practical reality.

Why Competition and Decentralization Are Key

Vitalik points out that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to social problems, but enhancing competition is an important starting point. Decentralization is precisely the path to achieve competition—through a shared data layer, anyone can build different clients on top of it. The logic is clear: when data is not monopolized by a single platform, competition can truly exist, and users will have real choices.

Candid Criticism of Existing Crypto Social Projects

Vitalik also sharply criticizes some crypto social projects:

• Over-reliance on token issuance, treating “issuing tokens” itself as innovation
• Creating price bubbles around individuals to incentivize creators, deviating from the essence of social interaction
• Short token lifecycles, rewarding often existing social capital rather than content quality
• Money and social interaction are not inherently conflicting; the key is whether they truly serve the content itself

He believes that a subscription-based support model is the correct direction, rather than speculative asset designs. This criticism directly targets the pain points of the current crypto social ecosystem: many projects treat tokens as tools to attract users, neglecting the value of social interaction itself.

Who Is Doing the Right Thing

Vitalik particularly appreciates the Aave team’s long-term maintenance of Lens and looks forward to the new team’s direction. He believes these teams are more focused on solving real social problems rather than hype. This view is important because it reflects Vitalik’s standards for evaluating decentralized social projects: not based on who issues the most tokens or raises the most funds, but on who is truly solving problems.

What Does This Mean

Vitalik’s move has several implications:

First, personal demonstration. As one of the most influential figures in the crypto space, his choices will directly influence community attention and participation.

Second, a renewed commitment to decentralized social networking. In an era still dominated by centralized social platforms, Vitalik’s decision to invest in decentralized social signals that he believes this direction is worth pursuing.

Third, a warning to existing crypto social projects. If even Vitalik criticizes token bubbles and designs that deviate from the essence, it serves as a sober reminder to the entire ecosystem.

Summary

Vitalik’s 2026 plan is not an isolated personal decision but a systematic reflection on the decentralized social ecosystem. He demonstrates through action that decentralized social is feasible, points out issues with current projects through his words, and encourages teams genuinely concerned with the social essence. In an information environment dominated by centralized platforms, such voices and actions may be exactly the driving force needed for the decentralized social ecosystem. In the coming year, it will be interesting to watch Vitalik’s further statements on decentralized social platforms and whether this can motivate more users and developers to participate.