Crypto adoption still stunted by lack of technical literacy

Despite the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the complexity of the technology might be making it hard for average users to understand, adding a barrier to more people entering the space. 

According to an August survey conducted by Australian crypto exchange Swyftx, 43% of 2,229 respondents said they hadn’t used the tech because they were unsure how it works. 

Similar data from the 2023 Crypto Literacy Survey found that at least 28% of 3,000 respondents worldwide shared the same sentiment.

In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Finacial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a research note that found that at least 30% of 2,337 respondents listed a lack of understanding as a reason for not entering the space. 

Lance Morginn, president of analytics and marketplace risk management firm Blockchain Intelligence Group, told Cointelegraph the crypto market  can “scare people away with the plethora of unfamiliar terms.”

“On first impressions, it can appear too technical and irrelevant to traditional money. Words such as blockchain, tokens and technology can lead to a sense of intimidation, discouraging people from checking crypto out,” he said.

“I hear comments like ‘I don’t know what crypto is to use it,’ and ‘I feel ignorant when it comes to crypto.’ Questions such as ‘How do I use it? What can I do with it?’ are commonly asked.”

In its fifth annual Global Crypto Adoption Index report, blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis stated that the launch of spot Bitcoin ( BTC ) exchange-traded funds (ETF) in the United States in January was the root cause of a massive spike in crypto use throughout the year.

Investors can now purchase and sell some types of ETF shares at market prices on stock exchanges without a high level of technical knowledge. 

Related: How ETFs are reshaping the crypto markets

According to Morginn, the industry should aim to coax users in with a focus on the easier aspects of crypto, rather than trying to wow them with jargon. 

“The cryptocurrency industry must create simplified educational resources and user-friendly platforms to help the average user warm up to cryptocurrencies,” he said. 

“As the industry addresses the complexity concerns head-on, cryptocurrencies and digital assets will reach a wider audience, encouraging more partnerships between financial institutions, service providers, and more users to have cryptocurrency holdings.” 

No expertise with hardware can be a roadblock as well  

Aside from not understanding how crypto and blockchain tech work, another barrier can be a lack of understanding around some of the hardware involved, such as how to safely store individual assets like Ether ( ETH ). 

Kadan Stadelmann, a blockchain developer, operations security expert, and Komodo Platform’s chief technology officer, told Cointelegraph that storage can be a minefield for some users. 

“The industry could always use more education, especially free technical information for the unbanked,” he said. 

“If we confuse people with overly complicated security setups, they will be driven to custodial exchanges, which defeats the entire purpose of Bitcoin.”

According to Stadelmann, added technical complexity could also make “things less secure rather than more secure” because systems that are too complex for users risk making mistakes and losing their coins.

Related: Is onboarding too hard? Crypto adoption still faces major obstacles

“The lion’s share of digital asset holders do not have the tech expertise to employ highly complex storage strategies,” he said. 

“A big risk of loss is storing your Bitcoin in too technical of a manner. Each individual must determine what is practical and secure,” Stadelmann added. 

Chainalysis estimated that 17% to 23% of the overall Bitcoin supply might be lost through private key compromises, people using the wrong network to send, damaged wallets and more. 

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Cryptocurrency can appear complex to the average person, often due to its association with advanced technology and sometimes complicated user interfaces , Alicia Kao, Managing director at crypto exchange KuCoin told Cointelegraph. 

However, she says the industry is actively working toward a remedy for the issue, with a shift in focus from just catering to traders, and trying to reach the general population as well. 

Magazine: Bitcoin ETFs may face hacker threats, Ellison seeks no prison time, and more: Hodler’s Digest, Sept. 8 – 14

“The key is to strike a balance - maintaining the innovative essence of cryptocurrency while making it more approachable,” Kao said. 

“By simplifying complex concepts, providing user-friendly interfaces, and offering comprehensive educational resources.” 

While she says it’s an ongoing process, she thinks it’s crucial for the “widespread adoption and success of this revolutionary technology.”

Phillip Lord, president of crypto tap payment app Oobit, believes many people do view crypto as too complex, which has created roadblocks to mass adoption .

“For the average user, the intricate jargon, the need to grasp unfamiliar concepts like wallets, keys, and decentralized networks, and the fear of losing assets due to use error creates significant friction,” he told Cointelegraph. 

“The sheer complexity of understanding blockchain technology and how it fits into daily life has deterred many.”

A Feb. 22 survey report from key management network Web3Auth, which had 3,378 responses from Web3 users, developers and decision-makers worldwide, found the learning curve and complexity were among the top five reasons cited for avoiding the tech.

According to Lord, early adopters and tech enthusiasts are comfortable diving into these complexities, he thinks the everyday user finds it overwhelming and unfamiliar. 

Without a streamlined onboarding experience, he says many users opt out before they’ve even started. 

“The crypto space has traditionally catered to tech-savvy individuals, leaving the average person feeling left out. This perception must change if the industry wants to achieve widespread usage,” Lord said. 

“Crypto shouldn’t feel like a foreign concept — it should be as simple and intuitive to use as any other financial asset, and naturally integrate into users’ daily lives without requiring extensive education.” 

Additional complex regulatory environments could be a barrier too 

Saad Naja, CEO and founder of Web3 gaming and EdTech ecosystem PiP World, told Cointelegraph that some progress has been made in simplifying the tech for users, with easy on and off-ramps from crypto to fiat currencies. 

However, he thinks in some areas, it remains “complex and less accessible,  particularly onchain activities,” and the industry needs to simplify the understanding of crypto and make it more accessible to a broader audience. 

“Concepts like navigating different blockchains, bridging assets, and interacting with DeFi are not something the average person encounters in traditional finance, making them more challenging to grasp,” Naja said. 

Naja says a lack of clear regulations can also create confusion, with some users choosing to remain on the sidelines until the rules around the market are clearer. 

In May 2023, the European Council adopted the first comprehensive legal framework for the crypto industry. Other countries and jurisdictions have been slower in creating a framework for crypto.

Related: Crypto mass adoption is just 12–18 months away — Yat Siu

“Regulatory environments in some regions still pose significant challenges, particularly when it comes to integrating with traditional banking systems,” Naja said. 

“Simplifying these processes can pave the way for smoother user experiences. Ultimately, as people encounter better technologies and more efficient solutions, natural adoption will follow.” 

Naja says education will play a crucial role, but it has to move beyond lengthy tutorials and dense documentation. Instead, the focus should be on engaging and fun interactive learning experiences.