The full potential of Web3 remains largely unexplored, according to Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX. In a recent conversation with Roundtable host Rob Nelson, Rafique emphasized that we are still in the earliest phases of understanding what Web3—and particularly programmable value on the internet—can truly achieve.
"The idea that we even know what use cases could come up is unfathomable," Rafique stated. "When early parts of the internet emerged, we didn’t know what applications were going to come out of it."
This comparison to the dawn of the internet underscores a crucial point: transformative technologies often reveal their most impactful applications only after foundational tools and interfaces mature.
Web3 at the Dawn of Innovation
Just as the internet evolved from basic email and static web pages to social media, e-commerce, and cloud computing, Web3 is expected to follow a similar trajectory—but with decentralized ownership and user empowerment at its core.
Rafique highlighted that many of today’s most influential digital experiences, such as mobile apps, didn’t emerge until intuitive platforms like iOS provided accessible interfaces. Similarly, Web3’s killer apps may not yet exist—not because the demand isn’t there, but because the infrastructure isn’t quite ready.
"We actually didn’t see most applications come out until iOS... we had an interface to do it," he explained. "Until we have that kind of user-friendly gateway for blockchain and decentralized applications, mass adoption will remain out of reach."
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Empowering Creators Through Web3
One area where Web3 shows immediate promise is content creation. As digital platforms have shifted creative power into the hands of individuals, monetization has remained concentrated among major platforms. Web3 introduces new models—such as tokenization, NFTs, and decentralized communities—that allow creators to own and profit directly from their work.
Rob Nelson opened the discussion by noting that content creation is now one of the largest digital economies. He posed a compelling question: Could Web3 enable not just global influencers, but also local businesses and micro-creators to thrive?
"Wouldn't this same thing apply to the small coffee company in LA that everybody likes? The micro-influencer with 10,000 to 20,000 followers that absolutely think this person's great? They don’t need a million," he asked.
Rafique agreed wholeheartedly. He believes Web3 can democratize access to economic opportunity by enabling smaller creators to build sustainable income streams without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Imagine a world where a local artist sells digital collectibles tied to real-world perks, or a neighborhood bakery issues loyalty tokens tradable across a city-wide network. These are not far-fetched ideas—they’re early glimpses of what programmable value can unlock.
The Missing Link: User-Friendly Infrastructure
Despite its promise, Web3 has yet to break through to mainstream audiences. A major barrier? The lack of seamless, intuitive tools that make interacting with decentralized systems feel natural.
"Is there a browser that can really distribute and create an experience for decentralized applications or crypto-based applications that allow Normies to come in?" Rafique asked. "I think that still has to happen in that industry."
Today’s typical user journey—managing wallets, seed phrases, gas fees, and network selections—is far too complex for average consumers. For Web3 to go mainstream, it needs invisible plumbing: technology that works behind the scenes so users can focus on value, not mechanics.
This doesn’t mean innovation has stalled. On the contrary, rapid progress is being made in areas like wallet abstraction, cross-chain interoperability, and identity solutions. But widespread adoption hinges on simplifying these advancements into frictionless experiences.
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Avoiding Overregulation While Encouraging Innovation
Another concern Rafique raised is overregulation—particularly in markets like the United States—where strict policies could stifle experimentation and drive innovation overseas.
"In the United States at least, we welcome this innovation and we see where the world takes us," he said, advocating for balanced regulation that protects users without suffocating growth.
History shows that emerging technologies often face regulatory uncertainty. The early internet operated in a largely permissive environment, which allowed startups and developers to experiment freely. That openness led to breakthroughs no one could have predicted—from YouTube to Uber.
Web3 may require a similar “sandbox” approach: clear guardrails for security and consumer protection, but room for creativity and risk-taking.
Lessons from TikTok: Technology That Changes Behavior
Rafique pointed to TikTok as a modern example of how the right technology can unlock entirely new human behaviors.
"Before TikTok was introduced, we didn’t really have a tool to give anyone in the world a platform to be their own creator," he said. "And now I learned how to cook on TikTok. That’s a very refined use case, but I make the best pasta because I learned it on TikTok. I make the best steak because I learned it on TikTok."
TikTok didn’t just improve video sharing—it redefined what it means to be a creator. Similarly, Web3 may eventually enable behaviors we can’t yet imagine: new forms of collaboration, ownership, identity, and community building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does 'programmable value' mean in Web3?
A: Programmable value refers to digital assets—like cryptocurrencies or tokens—that can be coded with specific rules and functions. For example, payments can be automated based on conditions, royalties can be built into digital art sales, or access rights can be granted through tokens.
Q: Why isn't Web3 mainstream yet?
A: While technically powerful, Web3 remains complex for average users. Challenges include difficult interfaces, security risks (like lost private keys), inconsistent user experiences across apps, and limited real-world utility outside niche communities.
Q: Can small creators really benefit from Web3?
A: Yes. Web3 allows creators to issue tokens or NFTs representing ownership, access, or rewards—enabling direct monetization without platform fees. A musician could sell limited-edition tracks as NFTs; a blogger could offer subscription content via token gates.
Q: What role do wallets play in Web3 adoption?
A: Wallets are the primary interface for interacting with Web3 apps. They store digital identity and assets. Future wallets will likely integrate biometrics, social recovery, and auto-network selection to make them more user-friendly.
Q: How is Web3 different from social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube?
A: Unlike centralized platforms that control data and profits, Web3 gives users ownership. Creators keep more earnings, fans can invest directly in artists via tokens, and content isn’t subject to arbitrary takedowns or algorithm changes.
Q: Will regulation help or hurt Web3 development?
A: Balanced regulation can build trust and protect users without stifling innovation. Overregulation risks pushing development offshore or limiting experimentation needed to discover transformative use cases.
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As Haider Rafique suggests, we’re still at the edge of understanding what Web3 can become. Just as no one in 1995 could predict TikTok or Uber, today’s imagination may fall short of tomorrow’s reality. But one thing is clear: those who begin exploring now will be best positioned when the next wave of digital transformation arrives.
Core keywords: Web3, programmable value, decentralized applications, content creation, blockchain infrastructure, creator economy, user adoption, digital innovation