Building Blockchain Frontiers: Ethereum as an Extension of the Californian Ideology

【Author】 Brody, Ann; Kneese, Tamara; Frizzo-Barker, Julie

【Source】INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION

【影响因子】1.637

【Abstract】The Ethereum blockchain has emerged as a new technology with particular affordances that lend themselves to entrepreneurial visions aligned with the Californian Ideology. Conceptualizing Ethereum as "the world computer" offers a compelling vision for those inspired by the Californian Ideology. This article examines two case studies-talks presented at DevCon4, the Ethereum community's largest annual conference-to investigate some of the physical prototypes fueled by a supposedly ethereal technology. We focus on two distinct framings of Ethereum: As part of Silicon Valley elite Stewart Brand's long-term futurist vision and crypto millionaire Jeff Berns's utopian community in the Nevada desert. Through an ethnographic analysis of their frontier-themed visions, we argue that Ethereum proponents strategically use elements of the Californian Ideology to situate themselves in a successful history that also blends commercial success with countercultural elements.

【Keywords】imaginaries; blockchain; Californian Ideology; decentralization; Ethereum; prototype

【发表时间】2023

【收录时间】2023-08-17

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