Letter: Blockchain is overcomplicated

I’m writing this letter in response to Todd Myers’ letter “Blockchain is good for planet” (Our Readers’ Views, Feb. 5).

I’m glad someone is making it clear to people that blockchain is not strictly used for cryptocurrency activities. However, it also needs to be made clear that blockchain is not necessary in most scenarios and it’s hard for the general public to just “trust the math.”

To use an example from the original letter: I don’t think blockchain is necessary in the work that the Plastic Bank does.

In general, the majority of people hear the word “blockchain” and their mind instantly turns to static. People may have a general idea of what a blockchain is, but might not have the expertise necessary to actually verify transactions on the blockchain for themselves.

How can anyone be expected to trust the blockchain if they don’t know how to interact with it for themselves?

I’m glad some organizations have found good use for blockchain, but to most people it seems generally overcomplicated and more like these organizations might be forcing blockchain into their workflow to attempt to attract attention from certain groups.