Blog 7 min read The next wave of AI agents: A step towards true decentralisation and Web4 The rise of AI agents represents a fundamental shift in how we think about technology and its role in society. These systems are not just tools or bots; they are autonomous, intelligent entities capable of transforming industries and enabling true decentralisation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a breakneck pace, and with it comes the potential to reshape industries and redefine how we interact with technology. Among the most exciting developments in this space is the rise of AI agents — autonomous systems capable of making decisions, learning from their environment, and executing tasks without constant human oversight. For those of us who believe in the ideals of Web4 and true decentralisation, AI agents represent a critical step forward. They offer the possibility of creating systems that are not only efficient but also equitable and self-sustaining.
However, the concept of AI agents is often misunderstood. Many people equate them with tools like ChatGPT or automated bots, which, while useful, fall far short of the true potential of AI agents. Others see AI as little more than a tool for generating content, such as images or articles. These misconceptions limit our understanding of what AI agents can achieve and obscure their transformative potential. To fully appreciate the next wave of AI agents, we need to move beyond these narrow definitions and explore their practical applications, particularly in the world of cryptocurrency, where they could serve as the backbone of decentralised systems.
Misunderstanding AI agents: More than just tools or bots
When you mention AI agents to the average person, their first thought is often of tools like ChatGPT. While ChatGPT is undeniably powerful — it can draft essays, summarise complex documents, and even assist with coding — it is not an AI agent in the truest sense. ChatGPT is a productivity tool, designed to respond to prompts and assist with specific tasks. It lacks the autonomy and decision-making capabilities that define a true AI agent.
Another common misconception is the idea that automated bots are AI agents. These bots, which are often used for tasks like customer service or social media management, are pre-programmed to perform specific functions. For example, a bot that automatically replies to customer inquiries or schedules meetings based on calendar availability is not an AI agent. It is simply a well-designed automation tool. True AI agents, by contrast, are capable of adapting to new situations, learning from their experiences, and making decisions without human input.
Finally, there is the belief that AI agents are primarily tools for generating content, such as images or articles. While AI can certainly create stunning visuals and compelling text, this is only a small part of what true AI agents can do. To illustrate this, let’s look at three examples of AI applications that go beyond these narrow definitions:
These examples show that AI agents are not just tools — they are autonomous systems capable of transforming entire industries. But their potential becomes even more exciting when we consider their role in the world of cryptocurrency.
AI Agents in cryptocurrency: A new era of decentralisation
The cryptocurrency space has always been a breeding ground for innovation, and the integration of AI agents is the next logical step in its evolution. Unfortunately, when you bring up AI agents in crypto circles, the conversation often focuses on trading bots. These bots, which execute trades based on market conditions, are useful but far from revolutionary. They are not true AI agents; they are simply tools for automating repetitive tasks adapted to live data. The real potential of AI agents in crypto lies in their ability to serve as the backbone of decentralised projects, driving everything from governance to community engagement.
Example 1: DAO Governance
One of the most promising applications of AI agents in crypto is governance. Imagine a project like GOAT (Governance Optimised Autonomous Tokenisation), where an AI agent oversees the entire governance process. This agent could analyse community feedback, monitor on-chain activity, and propose changes to the tokenomics model based on real-time data. By doing so, it ensures that the project remains aligned with the community’s needs and adapts to changing market conditions without requiring constant human intervention.
Example 2: AI-Driven Tokenomics
Another exciting application is the use of AI agents to design tokenisation models. Tokenomics is a complex field that requires balancing incentives for developers, investors, and users. An AI agent could analyse historical data, simulate different scenarios, and propose a tokenisation model that maximises long-term value for all participants. For instance, it could recommend a dynamic staking mechanism that adjusts rewards based on network activity, ensuring the system remains sustainable over time. You can look at ai16z as an example for the above.
Example 3: Community engagement and content creation
AI agents can also play a central role in content creation and community engagement. Picture an AI agent that autonomously generates educational content, such as tutorials and explainer videos, tailored to the needs of the community. It could also moderate forums, answer questions, and even identify and address potential sources of conflict within the community. By fostering a more inclusive and engaged user base, the AI agent would contribute to the long-term success of the project. The closest for this example would be Virtuals Protocol.
These examples demonstrate that AI agents can do far more than automate trading or generate content. They can serve as the central nervous system of a crypto project, driving innovation and ensuring its sustainability.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the potential of AI agents is enormous, there are significant challenges that must be addressed. One of the biggest concerns is transparency. As AI agents become more autonomous, it’s crucial to ensure that their decision-making processes are transparent and aligned with human values. This is especially important in decentralised systems, where trust is a cornerstone.
Another challenge is the risk of centralisation. Ironically, the very technology that promises to enable decentralisation could become a source of centralisation if a few entities control the development and deployment of AI agents. To prevent this, we need to prioritise open-source development and community-driven governance models.
Ethics is another critical issue. As AI agents take on more responsibilities, we must grapple with questions about fairness, bias, and privacy. These challenges are not unique to AI agents, but their autonomous nature makes them particularly difficult to address.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. By integrating AI agents into decentralised systems, we can create a world where technology serves as a true enabler of human potential. Imagine a future where AI agents manage entire ecosystems, from designing tokenomics to fostering community engagement, all while operating transparently and ethically. This is not a distant dream — it’s a vision that is rapidly becoming a reality.
A call to action
The rise of AI agents represents a fundamental shift in how we think about technology and its role in society. These systems are not just tools or bots; they are autonomous, intelligent entities capable of transforming industries and enabling true decentralisation. In the world of cryptocurrency, they have the potential to serve as the backbone of decentralised projects, driving innovation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
But realising this vision will require a collective effort. Developers must prioritise transparency and ethics, while communities must embrace the potential of AI agents to drive meaningful change. Most importantly, we need to move beyond the narrow definitions and misconceptions that currently dominate the conversation and recognise the true potential of AI agents as enablers of a decentralised future.
As someone who has long believed in the ideals of Web4 and true decentralisation, I am optimistic about the future of AI agents. They represent not just the next wave of technology, but a fundamental shift in how we interact with the digital world. The journey will not be without its challenges, but the destination — a world where technology empowers individuals and communities — is well worth the effort. Let’s embrace this new wave with open minds and a commitment to building a better, more decentralised future.
Anndy Lian is an Intergovernmental Blockchain Expert and Best Selling Book Author “NFT: From Zero to Hero”. The views in this article are personal and do not represent the organisation’s views.
