The evolution of the internet has reached a pivotal moment. As discussions around Web3, blockchain, and digital ownership gain momentum, public perception plays a crucial role in shaping adoption. A comprehensive global survey by Consensys and YouGov sheds light on how people across 15 countries—spanning North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia—view data privacy, financial systems, crypto ownership, and emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse.
With insights gathered from 15,158 individuals aged 18 to 65, this research reveals not only awareness levels but also deep-seated attitudes toward control, value creation, and trust in digital ecosystems.
Data Privacy, Value Creation, and Trust in Financial Systems
The Growing Demand for Data Privacy
Data privacy is a top concern for internet users worldwide—83% of respondents say it’s important to them. However, trust in current online platforms remains low. Only 45% fully trust services like social media, email, or gaming platforms to handle their personal data securely.
Despite existing data protection laws in countries like Germany, France, and the UK, many still feel exposed. A striking 79% want greater control over their online identity, while 70% believe they should share in the profits companies generate from their data.
Interestingly, respondents in Nigeria and Indonesia express higher trust in how their data is used—yet they also show stronger desires for control and profit-sharing. This paradox highlights a global sentiment: people want empowerment, not just protection.
👉 Discover how decentralized identity solutions are redefining online privacy
Who Creates Value Online—and Who Gets Paid?
There’s a growing sense of digital ownership among users. 50% agree they add value to the internet, and 67% believe they should own what they create online. Yet only 38% feel adequately compensated for their contributions.
This gap is even wider in developed economies. Respondents in France, Germany, and Japan show lower confidence in both their ownership rights and fair compensation—indicating a disconnect between user effort and economic reward in traditional platforms.
Rethinking the Financial System
Many believe the current financial system needs improvement—especially in emerging markets. In countries like Nigeria, Brazil, Vietnam, and the Philippines, there's strong agreement that crypto technology can help rebuild or transform financial ecosystems.
This sentiment reflects real-world challenges: inflation, limited banking access, and currency instability drive interest in alternative financial tools. For many, crypto isn’t speculative—it’s practical.
Global Adoption of Crypto: Awareness, Ownership, and Barriers
Public Awareness of Cryptocurrencies
Crypto is no longer niche. Globally, about 92% of respondents have heard of cryptocurrencies, with 50% claiming to understand what they are.
Awareness varies significantly by region:
- Nigeria (78%), South Africa (61%), and Brazil (59%) lead in understanding.
- In contrast, only about one-third of respondents in Indonesia and Japan say they understand crypto.
Age and gender also play a role. Men aged 25–34 are the most informed group, while women and older adults lag behind—reflecting a persistent digital knowledge gap.
Who Owns Crypto—and Who Wants To?
Globally, 40% of respondents have owned or currently own crypto assets. Ownership rates are highest in:
- United States
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- India
- Nigeria
- South Africa
In Nigeria, an impressive 70% have bought or held crypto, signaling deep integration into everyday finance.
Looking ahead, willingness to invest is strongest in Africa and Asia:
- Nigeria (90%)
- South Africa (78%)
- Philippines and Vietnam (57% each)
Meanwhile, European nations and Japan show much lower interest—with many stating they “definitely will not” invest.
What’s Holding People Back?
Despite high interest, adoption faces hurdles. The main barriers cited include:
- Market volatility
- Risk of fraud
- Complexity of entry
These concerns are most pronounced in Brazil, South Africa, and the Philippines—countries with high investment intent but limited guidance.
Education is key. In Nigeria and South Africa, where enthusiasm is high, many don’t know where to start or how to stay safe. In Latin America, 17–21% admit they lack basic knowledge about secure onboarding.
👉 Learn how beginner-friendly platforms are simplifying Web3 onboarding
The Fallout from Centralized Exchange Collapses
2022’s collapse of major centralized exchanges like FTX and Celsius shook the industry—but did the public notice?
Globally, about two-thirds of respondents were aware of these failures. Awareness was highest in:
- United States
- India
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Vietnam
In Japan, only 20% had heard of these events—indicating uneven media coverage or public interest.
Misunderstanding DEX vs. CEX
A critical finding: most people don’t understand the difference between decentralized (DEX) and centralized exchanges (CEX). In Nigeria, South Africa, and Vietnam, over 50% mistakenly believed FTX and Celsius were DEXs.
Even in more informed markets like the U.S. and India, only about 14% correctly identified them as CEXs.
This confusion underscores a broader issue: public discourse often conflates all crypto platforms, unfairly tarnishing decentralized innovations due to centralized failures.
Rebuilding Trust in Web3
Despite the fallout, trust in blockchain and Web3 remains resilient. In Germany, Vietnam, India, and South Africa, many say these collapses did not affect their confidence in the underlying technology.
To rebuild trust globally, respondents agree on two priorities:
- Improved security measures
- Greater transparency
Regional preferences differ:
- South Korea and Vietnam favor stronger government regulation.
- Japan and Indonesia emphasize accountability.
- Nigeria and Argentina support user education on risks and best practices.
Web3 Concepts: NFTs, Metaverse, and Wallet Literacy
Understanding Web3 Technologies
While crypto is widely known, deeper Web3 concepts remain obscure:
- Metaverse: 36% familiar
- NFTs: 34% familiar
- Web3: Only 24% familiar
Notably, just 8% consider themselves very familiar with Web3, highlighting a major awareness gap between hype and understanding.
Regional differences are stark:
- Nigeria and Vietnam lead in Web3 familiarity.
- Europe and Japan trail significantly.
- Men consistently show higher awareness than women.
Wallet Knowledge Gaps
Most users don’t understand the difference between custodial and self-custody wallets—a fundamental concept for security and ownership.
Countries with high crypto use—like Nigeria (50% familiar), South Africa (42%), Vietnam (40%), and India (39%)—show better understanding. In contrast, 72% in the UK and 70% in Mexico are unfamiliar or only slightly familiar.
Web3 Activities: From Transactions to Gaming
Among those familiar with Web3:
- 33% have sent or received crypto transactions
- 27% use Web3 wallets or stake assets
- Others engage with decentralized social media or blockchain games
NFT ownership is highest in:
- Vietnam
- India
- South Africa
European countries report the lowest ownership—partly due to lower awareness.
Key Takeaways: Bridging the Gap Between Awareness and Empowerment
Low Web3 Literacy Despite High Crypto Awareness
While 92% know about crypto, only a small fraction grasp Web3’s potential. This disconnect reveals a critical opportunity: educating users on how Web3 enables true digital ownership, privacy, and fair compensation.
Strong Desire for Ownership and Control
Even without full technical understanding, people want:
- Control over their online identity
- Fair share of profits from their data
- Ownership of digital creations
These values align perfectly with Web3’s core principles—making user education not just technical but philosophical.
Regional Attitudes Shape Adoption
- Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America: Embrace crypto as empowerment tools
- Europe, Japan: More skeptical; associate crypto with risk or illicit use
- Countries with unstable fiat currencies: View crypto as financial resilience
From Users to Builders: A New Internet Mindset
The shift isn’t just technological—it’s cultural. People are moving from passive "users" to active "builders" who seek agency online. Web3 developers must meet this demand by building intuitive tools that solve real problems: identity control, creator monetization, and data sovereignty.
👉 See how developers are building the next generation of user-owned internet apps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between crypto and Web3?
A: Crypto refers to digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Web3 is a broader vision for a decentralized internet built on blockchain technology—where users control their data, identity, and assets.
Q: Why do people trust Web3 despite exchange failures?
A: Many distinguish between flawed centralized platforms (like FTX) and the decentralized infrastructure of blockchain. The technology itself is seen as trustworthy when properly implemented.
Q: Is NFT ownership widespread globally?
A: NFT ownership is growing but still limited. It's most common in Vietnam, India, and South Africa—driven by gaming and digital art communities.
Q: How can I safely enter the Web3 space?
A: Start with reputable platforms, use self-custody wallets securely, enable two-factor authentication, and educate yourself on phishing risks before transacting.
Q: Why is Web3 less known than crypto?
A: Crypto gained attention through price movements and media coverage. Web3 is more abstract—focused on infrastructure changes—making it harder to communicate without technical context.
Q: Can Web3 really give me control over my data?
A: Yes—through decentralized identity systems and self-custodied wallets, Web3 allows you to own your digital footprint instead of relying on corporate platforms.
Core Keywords: Web3 awareness, crypto adoption, data privacy, digital ownership, NFT familiarity, blockchain literacy, decentralized identity, financial inclusion