Forbes published an article on five big areas of challenge regarding the bitcoin / blockchain technology:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/02/19/the-5-big-problems-with-blockchain-everyone-should-be-aware-of/Here a summary of those five points plus a discussion on their validity.
1. Bitcoin / Blockchain has an environmental cost
2. Lack of regulation creates a risky environment
3. Its complexity means end users find it hard to appreciate the benefits
4. Bitcoin / Blockchains can be slow and cumbersome
5. The “Establishment” has a vested interest in Bitcoin/ blockchain failing
These are points to be aware of because very likely you will be faced with all of those at some point in conversation about this amazing technology. And while it is true that blockchain is not the solution for everything - nothing is - the five points mentioned here are pretty much obsolete already or just currently being addressed.
1. Yes blockchain requires energy to run but so does the internet and pretty much everything we use / do. And if people tell you blockchain is worse then just ask them to consider how much energy is required to print and distribute paper money. Think trees, chemicals, physical transport, gasoline, guns etc etc.
2. Regulation is just the big topic at the moment and while China has taken a stance against cryptocurrencies it is still actively supporting blockchain! All other countries are either for self regulation and think he state should not get involved or even try to lure blockchain technology into their country or state with tax breaks and beneficial regulation.
3. This is true for every new technology and just remember the internet fifteen years ago. Not very user friendly and everyone thought it would be difficult to get everyone to adapt it. Same for computers: in the sixties they used punch cards and had neither keyboards nor monitors let alone a graphical user interface. So we can be sure that more user friendly access to blockchain technology will emerge for sure!
4. Yes that is true and but it is already faster than a lot of fiat technology for money transfers (Ripple / XRP is being used by moneygram and Santander for international money transfer because it is faster than their existing technology) speed is also something that will improve with technology maturing, through infrastructure as well as new protocols.
5. Absolutely and that just emphasizes how important this technology really is!
What are your thoughts?