Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted key challenges facing decentralized social media during a recent AMA hosted by Wu Blockchain and Mask Network. Buterin identified two primary issues: the high barrier of network effects and the misapplication of crypto finance as a solution to social media problems. He argued that many projects mistakenly prioritize financialization, such as trading and token issuance, over genuine social needs. Buterin emphasized the importance of creator incentives, noting that past token reward systems often favored influential figures or short-term speculation rather than content quality. He advocated for a focus on real social needs rather than rushing to add financial layers.