Decentralization demands clarity, not complexity

Most people use the internet without understanding the technology behind it. So why should crypto be any different?

Pekka Kelkka, a dedicated web3 advisor and educator, explained to The Crypto Radio how the space can be demystified for the everyday user.

His experience spans the early days of the internet to today’s blockchain innovations, providing him with a unique perspective on bridging technical details and real-world benefits.

"You don't need to understand how blockchain transactions work and how the technology is secured,” Kelkka said. “What we need to do in the industry is to make, create and develop easy enough systems for everybody to use, and we just need to take care of the backend systems."

Crypto should be as easy as using the internet

Looking back on his early digital experiences, Kelkka recalls asking event audiences if they knew about Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) – the rules that enable internet communication. Few did, yet they had no trouble using the internet. He draws a parallel to blockchain, arguing that crypto adoption hinges on simplicity rather than technical knowledge.

Developers, he said, should focus on delivering secure, frictionless experiences instead of expecting users to learn complicated processes. The internet grew because it became intuitive. In Kelkka’s view, blockchain must follow the same path – hiding complexity behind the scenes while letting users focus on the benefits.

By stripping away unnecessary jargon, blockchain’s core advantages – security, transparency, and efficiency – become as accessible as smartphones and apps. Just as no one needs to understand wireless protocols to send a message, users shouldn’t have to decode blockchain mechanics to send a crypto transaction.

Decentralizing infrastructure with DePIN

Kelkka is particularly excited about decentralized physical networks (DePIN), which he believes can redefine access to essential services. These networks could decentralize power grids, mobile networks, communications, and data infrastructure, removing reliance on traditional gatekeepers.

Centralized networks, he explained, are prone to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. By shifting control to decentralized systems, accessibility and security improve. For industries built on top-down control, this shift could be transformative.

A key development in this shift is the decentralization of GPU resources. By distributing computing power, more developers and users can tap into AI-driven applications without being limited by corporate control. Right now, AI innovation is largely in the hands of a few powerful companies. DePIN could change that by allowing anyone to contribute and access decentralized computing resources.

"There are already power networks, mobile networks, communication networks, and data networks. You can decentralize them on this deep DePIN technology,” he said. “That will strengthen the foundation, making it more secure and accessible.”

To accelerate adoption, he advocates for a simpler narrative. Rebranding DePIN as “the next internet” could help people grasp its significance. If framed correctly, it could become a movement rather than just another technical concept.

Can decentralization fix AI’s trust problem?

Kelkka warns that AI’s rapid rise brings risks, especially with centralized control over data. Without transparency, these systems can be vulnerable to fraud, bias, and misuse. Decentralization, he said, is the key to restoring trust in digital ecosystems.

Tokenized transactions on blockchain networks, he believes, offer a safer alternative to traditional financial models. By decentralizing these processes, users gain more control and protection, reducing the risks associated with centralized platforms.

Blockchain and AI are often discussed together, but Kelkka sees them as fundamentally opposed forces – AI thrives on centralization, while blockchain relies on decentralization. That contrast, he said, is why blockchain must become the foundation for a more trustworthy digital world.

"If we have everything on blockchain as the next internet… on top of that can be DePIN,” he said. “Blockchain ensures trust, which is the opposite of AI’s opaque models. There is huge development happening now to move applications to the decentralized internet rather than relying on centralized systems.”

For Kelkka, this shift isn’t just about technology – it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their data and digital lives. The urgency is clear: the faster the industry builds decentralized solutions, the less damage centralized AI models can cause.

Crypto adoption hinges on ease of use

Mass adoption, Kelkka stressed, depends on education and simplicity. Just as the internet became indispensable without users needing to understand TCP/IP, crypto must evolve beyond technical explanations and focus on usability.

The industry, he said, must learn from past technological shifts. Early internet adoption took off when people could simply click links and browse pages rather than manually entering IP addresses. Crypto, he argued, needs the same kind of breakthrough in accessibility.

As the space matures, he urges the industry to talk less about blockchain’s mechanics and more about its practical benefits. People don’t need blockchain explained to them – they need tools that make life easier, safer, and more efficient.

“If crypto is to reach the masses, it must mirror the internet’s success – by putting usability before complexity,” Kelkka said. “We don’t need everyone to understand blockchain, we just need to make it easy enough to use.”

His message is simple: crypto should work for people, not the other way around.

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in The Pulse podcast.