Blockchain tribalism refers to people in the blockchain or crypto community becoming ideologically aligned with a specific blockchain or crypto.
Blockchain tribalism refers to people in the blockchain or crypto community becoming ideologically aligned with a specific blockchain or crypto. It goes as far as defending and advocating for it even in the face of evidence that other options are better. This "tribal" mentality can lead to intense and divisive discussions within the community and outside of it. As a result, new technologies find it difficult to be accepted.
Ethereans are sometimes pejoratively called "Ethereum maxis" because they exhibit similar behavior to bitcoiners when it comes to other smart contract chains.
There are many other blockchain tribes out there. Some examples include Litecoiners, Cardano fans and BNB-Coin believers. Each of these tribes believes that their chosen blockchain is the best, and they might argue with other people who believe in different blockchains. However, compared to Ethereum and Bitcoin, other blockchains lack the same kind of grassroots support and "maximalist culture" that makes a community truly tribal.
Blockchain tribalism can undoubtedly be a problem for the overall crypto community since it leads to intense and divisive discussions within the industry. Looking from the outside in, the blockchain space can be seen as an industry where different factions bicker over minor details like having the "better chain" instead of focusing on driving the adoption of the technology as a whole. Additionally, this kind of maximalism can lead to unrealistic expectations and valuations of certain blockchains, leading to excessive valuations and financial losses down the road.
Blockchain tribalism can be seen as both good and bad, depending on the perspective. On the one hand, it can create a sense of community and drive dedicated supporters to advocate for and promote their chosen blockchain, increasing its adoption and development. "Maxis" can thus pump a chain's price with their "toxic" behavior.
However, it's also important to note that this kind of dedicated support can lead to a lack of critical evaluation of the technology and its potential. For instance, Bitcoin has been long accused of being too conservative in its development, leading critics to predict its eventual demise at the expense of other chains.
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