Many people evaluate blockchain projects by focusing only on technical indicators and investment returns. But some projects I’ve recently come across have changed my perspective, revealing another overlooked dimension—the social values they promote.

Take Walrus as an example. It’s not simply a collection of technical tools. More accurately, it stands for a core idea: individuals should own their digital lives. This sounds idealistic, but a look at its product design makes it clear. Every detail emphasizing user control and privacy protection silently conveys this value. In the process of using it, users are actually learning and practicing a new awareness of digital rights. This is more convincing than any technical documentation.

Once developers, creators, and partners get involved, they each interpret and spread the concept of "data sovereignty" in their own way, passing it on to their users and audiences. The idea spreads through network effects, and gradually, its influence surpasses the technology itself.

Of course, such advocacy requires credibility. If the project itself is riddled with vulnerabilities and risks, even the best ideas will be questioned. That’s why you see true advocates taking extra care with security—this isn’t fake PR, but actions that demonstrate their commitment. The Walrus community is full of people who share this philosophy; they gather not for overnight riches, but because of a resonance in values. That’s very different.

Let’s also look at how the team operates. They are more like true believers than profit-driven merchants. Their patience with user experience, their persistence in long-term thinking, and their cautious approach to compliance all stem from a dedication to the core idea. This makes it believable that, regardless of market changes, they will continue to push this initiative. Because, in their view, this is "the right thing."

From a broader perspective, even if Walrus doesn’t end up being the biggest winner in the market, the discussions and practices it promotes are like a seed. This seed will cause more and more people to rethink ownership, privacy, and power relations in the digital age. This social impact can’t be measured by market value at all.

As users or observers, supporting such projects is, to some extent, voting for the digital future we want. It reminds us that beyond the current monopoly of internet giants, there is another possibility: a more decentralized, individual-respecting, and principled internet ecosystem.

This possibility alone is worth attention and discussion, and it warrants a cautious optimism. These projects are making meaningful explorations along this path.