Many argue that decentralization is a myth, Here's how they are wrong

If decentralization is truly a myth, who would you say controls the internet?

Sure, one might argue that the internet is "distributed" not "decentralized" but what is the difference?

Often when we define blockchain technology, we say that it is a "distributed ledger technology" Could this mean that blockchains can't be decentralized? Just distributed? Because that's what I'm hearing.

The problem, here, seems to be the words we throw around when referencing certain things like I've always said in the past, the problem with crypto and blockchain is that we largely misdefine and misrepresent a lot of things in the space and it is costing us a lot, growthwise to name the most crucial.

A distributed network has files stored in multiple computers across different locations. What this definition doesn't tell us is "Who owns these computers?"

On being able to answer this question, we can tell what a system really is - decentralized or just distributed to enhance security.

Truth be told, distributed networks have always existed before the term "blockchain" became popular and they've been mostly used by centralized entities.

So when a network is owned or mostly controlled by a single entity, then it is centralized even whilst being "distributed". But when the aforementioned computers are not controlled by one person, then we can call the network "decentralized".

So is the internet just distributed yet centralized or it is indeed decentralized?

The answer is obvious, the internet is indeed distributed and decentralized, so why then should the concept of decentralization sound foreign or like a myth?

Understanding that crypto won't end centralization

Now this is something many of us don't want to hear, I remember when I used to preach the decentralization of everything, heck, I am still preaching it but we have to understand that there are limits to what is "everything".

Centralized structures will never go away. The reason why most people think the internet is not decentralized is because of the powerful centralized companies that dominate certain ecosystems within, Well, that's the thing, there are layers to network governance.

The most important thing about any cryptocurrency blockchain is to maintain decentralization at the base network level, every other thing will be scaled via centralized entities.

This is evident in the centralized reality of layer two blockchains, Remember those centralized internet companies that dominate certain ecosystems that we spoke of? See them as "layer 2" protocols.

Hosting companies, social media platforms, streaming services, and the list goes on. They are similar to layer two protocols and they are bound to be "centralized" to ensure scalability.

Now this doesn't mean a protocol cannot work to earn "decentralization" even as a layer 2 network, it can, but the vast majority won't and that's okay.

With the base network being decentralized, the ecosystem is already empowered to individually manage its finances and businesses. Bitcoin has taught us that the base network should be kept low on many things because the inevitable cost of "having more efficient products and services" on the base layer is centralization. It will be largely not scalable as a decentralized network.

This has been proven with Ethereum and even Vitalik Buterin admits this.

Decentralization is not a myth, but the idea that everything will be decentralized is delusional. Humans thrive on power, it's a constant drive to be fed the food of influence and control over others.

The goal of crypto and blockchain is to free people from the bondage of centralized financial institutions, so at the base layer, you're in control of your finances, but If you choose to move your funds to a layer 2 protocol, that's a risk you will bear the consequences, alone.