With Blockchain projects there is usually a white paper that lays out the project idea, plan, mode of action, what to expect, and when it will all become available. There’s other information and details included but that’s the gist of it. A White Paper is meant to show other participants that the project and the people working on developing it are legit.
Even then it is still a good idea to check out the white paper often as there may be changes or edits that might change the end goal of the project as a whole.
Constantly checking up on documents to validate the integrity of a project or the group of individuals creating it can become a bit tedious and a drag after awhile but it is important as a participant to understand what is being supported.
But this ‘rechecking’ skill isn’t just limited to Web3/Blockchain but should now be implemented for web2 platforms/spaces. Many platforms and companies are quietly adding in a new ‘generative learning’ model that scans all of their users data. This sudden addition is usually not announced or in any newsletters that highlight it but this is becoming more prevalent on more and more digital areas.
Users are automatically ‘opted-in’ to allow their data/creations/information to be scanned and used for these company ‘Generative Language Models’. Many of them allow a choice of ‘Opt-in’ and ‘Opt-out’ but some platforms aren’t even allowing an ‘opt-out’ option. They have control and if they want users data/information then they are going to get it.
This skill of constantly ‘checking up’ on the details of a company, project, and service is something that has to become a habit of sorts. The user/participant are in charge of their destiny and it is vital that they take the steps required to ensure they are protected.
I think the online individual NEEDS to be more vigilant. The internet was touted as an ‘Information Super Highway’ but the modern internet has become something of an ‘on the rails’ experience where people just hop on a ride and follow the rails to the same destination.
The highway analogy is coming back into play but now, much like driving on a highway in real life, the online individuals must be aware of what is happening on the highway to avoid damage.
Figuring out how to take control is key and that starts by taking action. To constantly check and recheck data settings, company policy/terms, to see if any changes have occurred without announcement, and other elements that are being circumvented or altered to steal/harm the individual for the platforms gain.
Be Aware.
Be Vigilant.
And of course
Stay Knowledgeable!