Chainlink to $26? Sounds amazing, right? Perhaps Lambo fantasies are swirling in your imagination. But before you mentally cash in, take a breath and ask a crucial question: who's really invited to this party? Instead, I see a VIP list that closely resembles those at other special little cloisters. This boots a whole lot of us to the curb!

Is Crypto Really Decentralized, Though?

We’re sold this dream of decentralized finance, an open economy, a level playing field where anyone can participate. Let's be real. Who can truly afford to jump through all of these hoops? Instead, who can understand complex technical analysis and afford to lose large sums of capital? It’s not just your run-of-the-mill Gen Z side hustler looking to pay off student loans. It’s usually the same folks who are already advantaged in the conventional financial world.

Additionally, Chainlink as the predominant oracle solution is extremely relevant. And, with its baked-in integration into DeFi and blockchain platforms, it should democratize access to this kind of information. Access to information in itself isn’t access to opportunity. Knowing LINK could hit $26 doesn’t mean you have the funds to invest, the time to monitor the market, or the risk tolerance to weather the volatility. Let’s face it, that trough between almost $31 and $13 in a few short months? That's enough to scare off most newcomers.

Even all of us who are biggest fans are keeping an eye on price, and I noticed that support around $12.40. I know that resistance is at about $13.00. Frankly, I’m not that interested in the short term. I’m taking the long view, the macro view.

Tech Promise, Social Responsibility Needed

Here's the unexpected connection: crypto's promise of financial freedom reminds me of the early days of the internet. A supposedly democratizing force that, in the end, funneled the very power it enabled into the hands of a few tech giants. Are we fated to see this same song and dance played out yet again with crypto? Are we on course to create a future where the wealthy win wealthier more quickly, leaving all others to essentially root from the sidelines, once more?

Bottom line—this isn’t only about the dollars, it’s about the political power. It’s about who gets to determine our future financial landscape. Today, it feels like the future is being determined by algorithms and venture capitalists. All the while, the very people we’re intending to help the most are excluded from the entire process.

Bullish predictions for LINK in 2030 extend as high as $77 – with some projections going even higher, toward $100. That’s wonderful progress on so many levels, but it only matters if the prosperity created is shared more fairly. Continued adoption and Chainlink’s position in the blockchain ecosystem are certainly bullish factors, but adoption by who? And for whose benefit?

Demand a Fairer Crypto Landscape Now

So, what can we do? We can further the cause of accountability and transparency by demanding more from the crypto industry.

  • Transparency: We need greater transparency in crypto projects, so everyone can understand the risks and rewards.
  • Education: Accessible educational resources are crucial to empower underserved communities to participate in the crypto space. Forget the jargon-filled explainers; we need plain English, real-world examples, and hands-on training.
  • Regulation: I know, I know, regulation is a dirty word in crypto. But responsible regulation can help level the playing field and protect vulnerable investors. Think progressive taxation on crypto gains, incentivizing projects that prioritize inclusivity, and cracking down on scams and market manipulation.

I’ve been aware of Chainlink’s potential to be the decentralized oracle network of choice for a while now. These partnerships, including the recent one with Pi Network, are compelling. Enthusiasm can't make us overlook what's been done wrong.

We Gen Z are inheriting a world that is incredibly unequal. We’re not going to let crypto be the next thing used to keep power in the hands of the wealthy. We need to use our voices, our wallets, and our collective power to demand a fairer, more inclusive crypto future.

Don't just chase the $26 dream. Demand a seat at the table.