Ethereum’s Future: Vitalik Buterin on Social Philosophy in dApps

Ethereum’s long-term success won’t be decided by its technical upgrades or blockchain architecture, but by the values of those building on top of it. That’s the message from Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, who believes the real battle for Ethereum’s future lies within the application layer, where ideas are turned into decentralized products.

Speaking on Warpcast on April 12, Buterin responded to a suggestion from the community calling for Ethereum to attract a new generation of developers committed to its original ideals. While he agreed that Ethereum’s values matter deeply, he made it clear that the infrastructure layer is not the part most in need of revival — the critical focus should be on the applications layer where developers design and launch decentralized apps (dApps).

Why the Application Layer Shapes Ethereum’s Identity

This layer, sometimes referred to as Layer 2 or the dApp ecosystem, is where developers influence not only the user experience but also the values embedded into the technology itself. According to Buterin, applications built on Ethereum are rarely neutral. Their purpose, design, and functionality often reflect the ethical choices and vision of their creators.

“What apps you build depends heavily on what ideas you have of what Ethereum apps, and Ethereum as a whole, are there to do for the world,” Buterin explained.

In other words, decentralized applications are shaped by the social philosophy of the people behind them. This makes the application layer not just a space for innovation but also a space where ethical responsibility plays a critical role.

Buterin contrasted this with general-purpose technologies like C++, arguing that even if such a programming language had been created by someone with harmful ideologies, it would likely still function as intended.

Ethereum’s infrastructure, known as Layer 1, falls somewhere in the middle. It’s around “50% general-purpose,” according to Buterin. While core features like the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) operate independently of ideology, certain decisions at the protocol level clearly reflect the project’s commitment to decentralization and sustainability.

The shift to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), the push for energy efficiency, and the integration of light clients for better user accessibility are all choices rooted in Ethereum’s foundational values. Still, Buterin believes that the greatest risk – and the greatest opportunity – lies higher up the stack, where developers shape the future of Web3 through their applications.

Good vs. Bad Social Philosophy in Ethereum dApps

Buterin pointed to real-world examples that show the difference between responsible Ethereum development and projects driven by hype or poor ethical foundations.

Among the projects he praised were privacy-focused tools like Railgun, the decentralized social protocol Farcaster, the prediction market Polymarket, and even the encrypted messaging app Signal. While acknowledging Signal’s imperfections, he highlighted it as a rare example of a platform that prioritizes user privacy by default, a key value in the Ethereum ecosystem.

On the other hand, Buterin criticized projects that, in his view, reflect a flawed social philosophy. He cited meme-driven platforms like Pump.fun, the notorious collapse of Terra and its LUNA token, and the downfall of centralized exchange FTX as cautionary examples. These failures, he argued, stem from developers losing sight of the deeper purpose of blockchain technology and instead chasing short-term profit or centralized control.

The Future of Ethereum Depends on Responsible Builders

Buterin’s message is clear – Ethereum’s infrastructure can provide the foundation for decentralization, but it’s the application layer that will ultimately determine whether Ethereum fulfills its promise as a tool for global change.

For the future of Web3 to be sustainable, developers must approach their projects with clear values, focused on privacy, decentralization, user empowerment, and transparency. Without this, Ethereum risks becoming just another technological fad, disconnected from its revolutionary potential.

In Buterin’s view, investing in a “good social philosophy” isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s essential for building a resilient, trustworthy, and truly decentralized internet.