Web3’s Missing Soul: Why Reality Isn’t Found in Code

Here’s my truth: Reality isn’t found in code. It’s found in connection. Not the kind of connection you make by hitting "like" on a post or buying an NFT, but the kind that happens when you look someone in the eye, shake their hand, or share a laugh together. If Web3 really wants to improve our lives—and not just impress us with its promises—it needs to remember this simple fact. And right now, I see a problem.

Web3 is all about the digital world. That might seem obvious, but stay with me. The fact that it lives almost entirely online is holding it back. Why? Because we’re human beings first and I’m not convinced that we are naturally digital creatures.

We need touch, smell, taste, and real-life experiences. We long for things that can’t be captured by screens or blockchain transactions. Sure, Web3 has the potential to change industries, help creators, and level the playing field—but if it stays stuck in cyberspace, it risks being nothing more than a shiny illusion, a pretend revolution that never touches the ground.

Have you ever felt that strange feeling while scrolling through your phone or chatting about someting? You know, that little voice whispering that something’s missing? That’s exactly where Web3 needs to meet us—in the real world. Being a somewhat spiritual person myself I would say it’s our soul calling for something.

However, I would say that the physical is slowly gaining ground in the Web3 space. Sure, speculation is a considerable part with thousands of useless tokens created on Pump.fun. But I genuinely feel a shift is happening, a move away from speculation and toward utility. This trend suggests that Web3 technologies are starting to focus on solving real-world problems and touching us on a human premise.

Tokenization of real-world assets is doing just that, opening new possibilities for investment and ownership. By turning tangible items like art, real estate, and even agricultural produce into digital tokens, Web3 is unlocking trillions in new markets. This isn’t just about making money; it’s about democratizing access to wealth-building opportunities that were once reserved for the elite.

Meanwhile, decentralized finance (DeFi) is evolving beyond speculative trading. It’s entering what experts call the "dividend era," where protocols distribute revenue directly to users and token holders. This is great news because, instead of chasing quick gains, DeFi is building sustainable financial systems that benefit everyone.

The classic Web3 wet dream where small businesses in remote villages can access loans instantly, without needing traditional banks—or where individuals can earn interest on their savings without relying on centralized institutions. This is slowly becoming reality.

Stablecoins, too, are great examples. They’re now transforming how businesses and consumers conduct transactions. Their stability makes them ideal for everything from cross-border payments to everyday shopping. I heard the transaction volume of stablecoin transactions are higher than that of Visa and Mastercard. Even though the legacy system processes more small-value transactions, stablecoins are clearly gaining traction.

When doing research, I was reminded of the clearest sign of all. Major companies are embracing blockchain technology to improve operations. From tracking supply chains to managing healthcare records, these systems are reaching our physical reality. Medical records are securely stored on a blockchain, accessible only to authorized parties, ensuring privacy and accuracy. Or consider tracking the origin of pharmaceuticals to combat counterfeit drugs.

I was stunned the other day. Apparently, some hardcore Bitcoiners are realizing that Bitcoin hasn't lived up to its utility promises.

Moreover, the fact is that businesses and institutions and consumers now demand real utility.

My gaze drifts to the window, where the world outside moves freely. I better call my daughter for a walk.

I wonder “What does this mean for Web3?”

These examples show that Web3 doesn’t have to exist solely in the abstract world of code. When it steps into the physical realm, it becomes more relatable to us, more impactful, and more meaningful. Like a walk in the park. "Hi Siri! Call Tara.“