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Bridging the gap: getting friends involved in de fi

Bridging the Gap | Tackling the Challenge of Introducing Friends to DeFi

By

Olivia Martinez

Apr 16, 2025, 09:38 AM

Edited By

Mei Lin

Updated

Apr 18, 2025, 08:36 AM

2 minutes of reading

Illustration of two friends, one holding cash and the other showing a digital wallet, symbolizing the bridge between traditional and decentralized finance.

A growing number of crypto enthusiasts face challenges when trying to bring decentralized finance (DeFi) to friends attracted to traditional platforms like Venmo and PayPal. As competition rises, folks question if DeFi can truly break into the mainstream.

The Challenge of Convincing Friends

Long-time crypto advocates feel more isolated, often facing rejection from friends uninterested in anything beyond established payment platforms. One comment captures that sentiment: "Honestly, it’s tough to get friends interested in DeFi when they’re used to simple apps like Venmo and see traditional investing as already complicatedβ€”sometimes you just gotta let them come around on their own."

New Insights on the DeFi Landscape

Recent discussions on forums highlight the obstacles and opportunities within the DeFi space.

Bridging TradFi and DeFi

Some commenters express an optimistic outlook: "TradFi and DeFi will be bridged shortly, thanks to Vaulta. This is going to make it a continuous space." The involvement of major players could legitimize the sector and enhance the user experience.

User Experience Is Key

Many argue that DeFi remains complex for the average person. One user emphasizes, "The user experience needs to be way simpler, ideally backed by major platforms like Apple." Another user mentions, "Platforms like MetaLend are making it easier to overcome the terrible UX of DeFi but still embrace the decentralized nature of it."

Risks of Centralization

Some contributors warn that the entry of companies like VISA and Apple may push the industry back toward centralization, leading to potential risks. A notable point raised is that many individuals investing in crypto may lack understanding of non-custodial options, posing risks for the overall market.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Struggles

Amidst these challenges, advocates strategize on connecting DeFi’s benefits to everyday life. There’s a clear need for education; several users suggest motivating friends with relatable experiences. One user stated, "I try to explain [DeFi] as a similar thing as their favorite bank but better."

"To sum it all up, never give up on this, and people will eventually start to understand that this is the new way forward."

Key Insights

  • πŸ”— Many believe major platforms will improve DeFi’s accessibility.

  • πŸ’° Opportunities for investment abound, but simplicity is critical.

  • ⚠️ Concerns persist about a shift back to centralization with large corporations entering the space.

The divide between crypto and traditional finance continues to create tension, leaving many crypto enthusiasts feeling misunderstood by peers.

As 2025 nears, the gap between financial aspirations and real-world engagement remains a pressing concern.