The 5 Advantages Decentralized Apps Have Over Traditional Apps

The internet has become a large part of our lives. The first and last thing we do in a day is looking at our phones. 

Our connection to other people on the internet is mostly through social media applications. We use Twitter to publish brand content or react to celebrities. We use Instagram to show off our latest vacation photos. 

While some of these applications make a positive impact, others mess up our focus and mental health. 

Just take a look at TikTok. It’s addictive and gives quick hits of dopamine. It’s so bad that you won’t have the concentration to watch 30-minute-long Netflix shows anymore.

A Wall Street research firm even labeled TikTok as digital crack cocaine, and I completely agree. 

These companies use dark UX practices to keep users addicted. The users can’t do anything as all the power is with the company. Most of the time we, the users, don’t realize that we’re getting sucked into their evil plans. 

That’s why there is a need for transparency. We need some level of decentralization to ensure good UX practices, transparency, and anti-censorship. 

Transparency 

Decentralized apps use blockchain technology. They store information on the blockchain, which is publically accessible to anyone. This allows everyone to see what is happening behind the scenes. 

This creates a sense of predictability for users, who don’t feel scared or vulnerable. 

Companies, in turn, have to use good practices as they are accountable now. 

Decentralized autonomous organizations(DAO) are completely decentralized in every manner. Here the DAO members make critical decisions for the organization. 

Decentralized Apps Respect Users

I mentioned the example of TikTok in the introduction. The sad reality is that most social media companies spy on their users and therefore disregard user privacy. 

The 2020 docudrama “The Social Dilemma” opened my eyes. I realized that social media companies use their power and resources to keep users addicted and often with the goal of political polarization. 

The design of most social media is to grow addiction and manipulate people to maximize profit. 

Decentralized apps, on the other hand, grow through mutual respect with users. Most dApps are even open-source. 

Monetization

Decentralized apps provide opportunities for users to monetize their content and interactions. For example, users can receive tokens for creating and engaging with content, allowing them to earn income from their online activities.

Monetization is fair, and everyone, regardless of location, can receive it. 

Ownership

One of the key benefits of apps is that they give users ownership over their data and content. In traditional centralized applications, the platform owns the data and can use it as it sees fit, often for monetization purposes. The platform might even delete your account for no apparent reason. 

In dApps, however, ownership is decentralized and placed in the hands of the users. This is made possible by using blockchain technology, which allows data to be stored securely and transparently without the need for a central authority.

By giving users ownership over their data, dApps empower them to control how their information is used. They can choose what information they want to share and who they want to share it with, giving them greater control over their privacy. Additionally, they can use their data in new and innovative ways, such as using it as collateral for loans or using it to access new financial services.

Ownership in dApps represents a significant shift from the centralized ownership models of traditional applications. By placing ownership in the hands of the users, dApps empower them to take control of their data and use it in ways that are most meaningful to them. This can create a more equitable, secure, and open online experience for everyone.

Interoperability

Interoperability in decentralized apps allows for greater user choice and flexibility. Users can move seamlessly between different dApps, taking their data and assets with them to participate in multiple decentralized ecosystems. 

This increases competition and drives innovation, as dApps are forced to improve to retain users.

Interoperability in dApps also creates new business opportunities. For example, businesses can build decentralized applications that integrate with existing dApps, leveraging their user bases and creating new revenue streams. 

Additionally, businesses can build new decentralized ecosystems that span multiple dApps, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.