Amid the buzz of TOKEN2049, the annual crypto conference that puts Singapore at the epicenter of the digital finance world, an online discussion sparked by Balaji Srinivasan, who is currently attending the conference, has become the zeitgeist-shifting topic of the year: the notion of “Internet values.”
Although the term “Western values” frequently comes up in tech dialogues, the crypto cognoscenti attending TOKEN2049 and their online counterparts challenged its relevance to a domain that knows no boundaries. It’s a conversation likened to discussing vegetarianism in a steakhouse—the context simply doesn’t align.
Balaji’s tweet, though not part of a TOKEN2049 session, ignited this far-reaching conversation. Dustin, who goes by StudMuffin.eth in crypto circles, captured the collective curiosity when he queried, “How do internet values differ from western values?” Answers ranged from “no digital walls” to calls for rebranding these as “Crypto/Bitcoin values,” showcasing the multifaceted viewpoints that characterize this complex discourse.
The conversation wasn’t merely a critique of Western values; it was an expose of their limitations. As critics juxtaposed the democratic ethos of the Internet with the less savory aspects of Western interventionism in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, the debate morphed into something larger than ideological wrangling. It presented a challenge to traditional geographical and historical paradigms of values, inviting us to consider Internet values as a universally inclusive alternative.
Vasili’s question about the primary distinctions between Western and Internet values prompted a flurry of responses. While Western values are geographically and historically situated, Internet values seem to be a dynamic construct, continually molded by its diverse users. They form a new agora that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a forum for dialogues, debates, and even digital disputes that shape a continuously evolving set of shared principles.
Predictions abound for how these Internet values might manifest in real-world coalitions. Annalisa Fernandez suggests that we could see a form of “Internet NATO” that addresses global discrepancies like online bans, censorship, and network shutdowns. Tim Parsa, in a statement that echoes the fluidity of this emerging space, proclaims, “Net is the new sec. Sec – state = Net.”
Interestingly, some, like ragnar.btc, view Internet values as an extension of Western values, suggesting that the Internet may well be the “son” that surpasses the “father.” This emerging narrative, echoed by mad0perator.crypto, hints at the Internet’s potential to build upon the foundations of Western values while democratizing them in a more universally accessible way.
The discourse at TOKEN2049, instigated by Balaji’s tweet, could be a harbinger of a shift in collective ideology, extending far beyond crypto enthusiasts and tech aficionados. It touches on how our shared values might evolve in a world that’s increasingly interconnected yet ideologically divided. As Jaime Bruleham underscores, much of the global tech community is steered by large corporations, whose values may not necessarily echo this emerging digital philosophy.
So, as we ride the waves of this energetic debate, the crux lies in whether these Internet values will merely be the trending topic of a moment or the foundational principles of our digital age. Will they mirror existing value systems or chart a course for unexplored territories? In essence, it’s the million-Bitcoin question that awaits an answer—a question that TOKEN2049, with Balaji Srinivasan among its attendees, has thrust into the spotlight.
