What’s A Blockchain, Anyway?

Author Future of Good
“Please explain it like you would to an eight-year-old”

Why It Matters

Blockchain offers a new model, and freedom from traditional structures. However, it’s not without its limitations.

We started Future of Good Twitter chats to dive deeper into hot topics that have been resonating with our community. It’s hosted Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. ET.

This week, we spoke with Anne Connelly, blockchain and social impact expert and faculty member at Singularity U. Here are some highlights from the conversation.

BLOCKCHAIN BASICS

Blockchain is a technology that enables people to transfer value peer-to-peer without a third party at a scale that was never possible before. For example, today, if we want to digitally send money to a friend, we have to use a third party to make it possible: banks, Western Union, or PayPal. This costs money and adds risk.

WHAT SOCIAL OUTCOMES CHALLENGES COULD BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY HELP ADDRESS?

A3: The main social outcome benefit of

Our social impact coverage and insights enrich thousands of change makers like you everyday. Sign up for a free account with Future of Good to continue reading this series.