Bitcoin is too complex for the average person

[pooya87]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

maybe the main thing about bitcoin, how it works, blockchain and also downloading the 30 GB of data for a wallet! is kind of complex, i agree. but i think if we want to make it simpler there should be legit, secure and trustworthy services like online wallets namely blockchain.info, coinbase, xapo and so on so people can just buy and use bitcoin with simple clicks and fast

[1713579584]

1713579584

[1713579584]

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[Daniel91]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

maybe the main thing about bitcoin, how it works, blockchain and also downloading the 30 GB of data for a wallet! is kind of complex, i agree. but i think if we want to make it simpler there should be legit, secure and trustworthy services like online wallets namely blockchain.info, coinbase, xapo and so on so people can just buy and use bitcoin with simple clicks and fast

I think that average person on Internet don't have problem understanding the words Blockchain, Decentralization, etc. If they want, they can find out in 5 minutes. Much more serious issues for average person is question about instability of BTC, its value, price going up and down all the time...
Old users can see it as good opportunity to earn good money on BTC but this can scare average because they don't understand nature of BTC.

[DiFranco]

There will be security firms that specialized in handling bitcoin security, or education to increase the user's awareness of security risk

I think wallets will become more secure over time too. Both hardware wallets and desktop and online ones. I think maybe biometrics with 2-factor such as mobile phone will prevent scammers from stealing funds but as with any payment system there will likely be weak links.

[MakingMoneyHoney]

There will be security firms that specialized in handling bitcoin security, or education to increase the user's awareness of security risk

I think wallets will become more secure over time too. Both hardware wallets and desktop and online ones. I think maybe biometrics with 2-factor such as mobile phone will prevent scammers from stealing funds but as with any payment system there will likely be weak links.

Because sending your money with a biometric 2-factor ID will still not stop sending money to fake websites, lol. Good in theory, but just like people look for the https nowadays, there will have to be a sign for trustworthy websites, they'll probably have to prove they're trustworthy and not a scam somehow to get approved by something/someone/gov't? before people trust them.....

[mistercoin]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

I am inclined to agree. For most, the process of downloading a wallet, installing it, allowing the blockchain to download and take up 20+GB of space, then trying to figure out how to secure it, and acquire Bitcoin, is daunting and intimidating to them.

However there does seem to be an influx of services and even technology built on top[ of the blockchain, that is aimed towards the 'average joe' and adapting to their needs. Things like Bitpay take a lot of the hurt out of the process for non-technical minded folks, and wallets like blockchain.info and even electrum also absorb some of the brunt.

Maybe over time the core Bitcoin wallet will evolve into a much more user friendly experience, and maybe more technologies will be created to make buying, selling, using and trading bitcoin as simple as a few clicks and easy enough for my grandmother to use (she is so technically-declined that she used to think that her dial-up internet would interfere with her tv shows, so she would never let anyone in the same room as the computer when her show was on).

[MakingMoneyHoney]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

I am inclined to agree. For most, the process of downloading a wallet, installing it, allowing the blockchain to download and take up 20+GB of space, then trying to figure out how to secure it, and acquire Bitcoin, is daunting and intimidating to them.

However there does seem to be an influx of services and even technology built on top[ of the blockchain, that is aimed towards the 'average joe' and adapting to their needs. Things like Bitpay take a lot of the hurt out of the process for non-technical minded folks, and wallets like blockchain.info and even electrum also absorb some of the brunt.

Maybe over time the core Bitcoin wallet will evolve into a much more user friendly experience, and maybe more technologies will be created to make buying, selling, using and trading bitcoin as simple as a few clicks and easy enough for my grandmother to use (she is so technically-declined that she used to think that her dial-up internet would interfere with her tv shows, so she would never let anyone in the same room as the computer when her show was on).

People should stop telling newcomers to use Blockchain.info....

Owning bitcoin is not complex. Spending and protecting them takes time to learn.

I don't think it's that difficult. If people can online bank then they should be able to use blockchain.info.

Blockchain.info has a problem. New people hear of the blockchain and they think Blockchain.info is THE site to go to. (Doesn't help how much it was featured on CNN's Inside Man episode).

Blockchain.info was hacked. It's not that safe, but if Bitcoin became mainstream tomorrow, Blockchain.info would have a TON of new wallets created. Think of that, while reading this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2ohnb8/how_i_lost_15_btc_on_blockchaininfo_without_my/

Blockchain.info will look like it's the best online wallet for a newcomer, but it has many problems, and should not be suggested to those new to Bitcoin to put all of their money into it.

[noobtrader]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

yah, that's why I sold all mine at $8

why sold all ?
i bought potcoin and when it price doubled i sell more than half  but not all, essentially i own free potcoin. why sell all ?

for the same reason I sold all my Xcelera (XLA), I guess

lack of faith ?

[MamaGoose]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

I am inclined to agree. For most, the process of downloading a wallet, installing it, allowing the blockchain to download and take up 20+GB of space, then trying to figure out how to secure it, and acquire Bitcoin, is daunting and intimidating to them.

However there does seem to be an influx of services and even technology built on top[ of the blockchain, that is aimed towards the 'average joe' and adapting to their needs. Things like Bitpay take a lot of the hurt out of the process for non-technical minded folks, and wallets like blockchain.info and even electrum also absorb some of the brunt.

Maybe over time the core Bitcoin wallet will evolve into a much more user friendly experience, and maybe more technologies will be created to make buying, selling, using and trading bitcoin as simple as a few clicks and easy enough for my grandmother to use (she is so technically-declined that she used to think that her dial-up internet would interfere with her tv shows, so she would never let anyone in the same room as the computer when her show was on).

People should stop telling newcomers to use Blockchain.info....

Owning bitcoin is not complex. Spending and protecting them takes time to learn.

I don't think it's that difficult. If people can online bank then they should be able to use blockchain.info.

Blockchain.info has a problem. New people hear of the blockchain and they think Blockchain.info is THE site to go to. (Doesn't help how much it was featured on CNN's Inside Man episode).

Blockchain.info was hacked. It's not that safe, but if Bitcoin became mainstream tomorrow, Blockchain.info would have a TON of new wallets created. Think of that, while reading this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2ohnb8/how_i_lost_15_btc_on_blockchaininfo_without_my/

Blockchain.info will look like it's the best online wallet for a newcomer, but it has many problems, and should not be suggested to those new to Bitcoin to put all of their money into it.

if new people go on blochain.info, thinking who blockchain.info it is THE BLOCKCHAIN, the problem is their.
if you want to use a new tool, a minimum of documentation is required...
you can not use a chainsaw to cut nose hairs!!!

 

[bloodDiamond]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

I am inclined to agree. For most, the process of downloading a wallet, installing it, allowing the blockchain to download and take up 20+GB of space, then trying to figure out how to secure it, and acquire Bitcoin, is daunting and intimidating to them.

However there does seem to be an influx of services and even technology built on top[ of the blockchain, that is aimed towards the 'average joe' and adapting to their needs. Things like Bitpay take a lot of the hurt out of the process for non-technical minded folks, and wallets like blockchain.info and even electrum also absorb some of the brunt.

Maybe over time the core Bitcoin wallet will evolve into a much more user friendly experience, and maybe more technologies will be created to make buying, selling, using and trading bitcoin as simple as a few clicks and easy enough for my grandmother to use (she is so technically-declined that she used to think that her dial-up internet would interfere with her tv shows, so she would never let anyone in the same room as the computer when her show was on).

People should stop telling newcomers to use Blockchain.info....

Owning bitcoin is not complex. Spending and protecting them takes time to learn.

I don't think it's that difficult. If people can online bank then they should be able to use blockchain.info.

Blockchain.info has a problem. New people hear of the blockchain and they think Blockchain.info is THE site to go to. (Doesn't help how much it was featured on CNN's Inside Man episode).

Blockchain.info was hacked. It's not that safe, but if Bitcoin became mainstream tomorrow, Blockchain.info would have a TON of new wallets created. Think of that, while reading this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2ohnb8/how_i_lost_15_btc_on_blockchaininfo_without_my/

Blockchain.info will look like it's the best online wallet for a newcomer, but it has many problems, and should not be suggested to those new to Bitcoin to put all of their money into it.

if new people go on blochain.info, thinking who blockchain.info it is THE BLOCKCHAIN, the problem is their.
if you want to use a new tool, a minimum of documentation is required...
you can not use a chainsaw to cut nose hairs!!!

 

AHAHA LOL...

you made me laugh!!!
but why you don't use a tomahawk to cut you nose hairs???
sorry for the OT,
but i have not resisted

 

[thejaytiesto]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

yah, that's why I sold all mine at $8

why sold all ?
i bought potcoin and when it price doubled i sell more than half  but not all, essentially i own free potcoin. why sell all ?

for the same reason I sold all my Xcelera (XLA), I guess

lack of faith ?

Yes, all altcoins except MSC and XMR are pump and dumps, so get your money (BTC) and run.

[MEPHuk]

I agree with the op, bitcoin can be a bit overwhelming to the newbie

[Silly Money]

There will be security firms that specialized in handling bitcoin security, or education to increase the user's awareness of security risk

I think wallets will become more secure over time too. Both hardware wallets and desktop and online ones. I think maybe biometrics with 2-factor such as mobile phone will prevent scammers from stealing funds but as with any payment system there will likely be weak links.

Because sending your money with a biometric 2-factor ID will still not stop sending money to fake websites, lol. Good in theory, but just like people look for the https nowadays, there will have to be a sign for trustworthy websites, they'll probably have to prove they're trustworthy and not a scam somehow to get approved by something/someone/gov't? before people trust them.....

You can only guide and protect people so far before they have to take care of themselves. If people send money to phishing sites then there's nothing you can really do about that other than they get a costly lesson and they hopefully wont do it again.

[jbreher]

If in the right locale, nothing about bitcoin is an insurmountable difficulty.

Day 1: Point noob at a service such as Circle - the service will guide them within a few minutes to their first bitcoin acquisition.
Noob buys something from Dell, or Overstock, or Expedia, or...

At this point, they are using crypto. They've spent a grand total of well under an hour. They're either intrigued enough to start studying, or they're not ready.

----
responsible followup may include:

- Tell noob that, though Circle (or any such service) seems so far to be legit, there is always a risk in entrusting the private keys of more than a trivial amount of XBT to another has inherent risk.

- Introduce noob to Electrum or other SPV client. Show how transfers work.

- Get noob to spend an hour browsing bitcoin.it.

- Intro noob to this forum.

- Explain full node concept, install Bitcoin Core.

Or whatever.

----

But anyone that can create an account on (e.g.) gmail -- or even AOL -- can sign up with a service like Circle in a matter of minutes and be using crypto with minimal effort. And the example of Circle is just the first generation of what will be a succession of business layers simplifying the use of crypto for people for a fee.

[nsimmons]

Owning bitcoin is not complex. Spending and protecting them takes time to learn.

I don't think it's that difficult. If people can online bank then they should be able to use blockchain.info.

I truly believe bitcoin is too complex for the average shopper right now. We need a secure contact-less medium, similar to a credit card, to bring high street shoppers interested in bitcoin. Changing people's daily habits is difficult. I am fine with bitcoin staying off the high streets and focus on cross-border "internet" payment system. This is the real strength of bitcoin.

What makes you think these things wont come? I'm sure there will be all sorts of wallet apps to do things like contactless payments and have advanced security features (finger print scanning etc).

Blockchain.info has a problem. New people hear of the blockchain and they think Blockchain.info is THE site to go to. (Doesn't help how much it was featured on CNN's Inside Man episode).

Blockchain.info was hacked. It's not that safe, but if Bitcoin became mainstream tomorrow, Blockchain.info would have a TON of new wallets created. Think of that, while reading this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2ohnb8/how_i_lost_15_btc_on_blockchaininfo_without_my/

Blockchain.info will look like it's the best online wallet for a newcomer, but it has many problems, and should not be suggested to those new to Bitcoin to put all of their money into it.

You have a source for any hacks? This looks like a technical problem, and while blockchain's fault, it doesn't qualify as a third party intrusion.

[MakingMoneyHoney]

Owning bitcoin is not complex. Spending and protecting them takes time to learn.

I don't think it's that difficult. If people can online bank then they should be able to use blockchain.info.

I truly believe bitcoin is too complex for the average shopper right now. We need a secure contact-less medium, similar to a credit card, to bring high street shoppers interested in bitcoin. Changing people's daily habits is difficult. I am fine with bitcoin staying off the high streets and focus on cross-border "internet" payment system. This is the real strength of bitcoin.

What makes you think these things wont come? I'm sure there will be all sorts of wallet apps to do things like contactless payments and have advanced security features (finger print scanning etc).

Blockchain.info has a problem. New people hear of the blockchain and they think Blockchain.info is THE site to go to. (Doesn't help how much it was featured on CNN's Inside Man episode).

Blockchain.info was hacked. It's not that safe, but if Bitcoin became mainstream tomorrow, Blockchain.info would have a TON of new wallets created. Think of that, while reading this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2ohnb8/how_i_lost_15_btc_on_blockchaininfo_without_my/

Blockchain.info will look like it's the best online wallet for a newcomer, but it has many problems, and should not be suggested to those new to Bitcoin to put all of their money into it.

You have a source for any hacks? This looks like a technical problem, and while blockchain's fault, it doesn't qualify as a third party intrusion.

Yes there are sources, there were lots of news articles about the blockchain.info hacks. I was responding to people who would suggest using blockchain.info for people to store all their Bitcoins, when the site is just not safe for multiple reasons, not just because they're inept in saving all private keys, and not just third party intrusions. If hackers go after Windows more than other operating systems because average joes who can't protect themselves use it, think of Blockchain.info as the Windows of all Bitcoin wallets. It's going to be a target for as long as it's the most used.

https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/interview-johoe-hacker-returned-800-bitcoins/

http://www.bitcoinaffiliatenetwork.com/blog/bryan/how-hackers-used-tor-to-rob-blockchain-info-and-localbitcoins-users/

[noobtrader]

Anyone ever got the feeling that Bitcoin is too complex for the average person? The average person wants things as simple as possible, so when the word, Blockchain, Decentralization, etc, come into play, I feel that makes it too complicated for the average person to understand or even care.

yah, that's why I sold all mine at $8

why sold all ?
i bought potcoin and when it price doubled i sell more than half  but not all, essentially i own free potcoin. why sell all ?

for the same reason I sold all my Xcelera (XLA), I guess

lack of faith ?

Yes, all altcoins except MSC and XMR are pump and dumps, so get your money (BTC) and run.

but he sold all bitcoin for 8 usd because lack of faith ?

[Lauda]

I am inclined to agree. For most, the process of downloading a wallet, installing it, allowing the blockchain to download and take up 20+GB of space, then trying to figure out how to secure it, and acquire Bitcoin, is daunting and intimidating to them.

However there does seem to be an influx of services and even technology built on top[ of the blockchain, that is aimed towards the 'average joe' and adapting to their needs. Things like Bitpay take a lot of the hurt out of the process for non-technical minded folks, and wallets like blockchain.info and even electrum also absorb some of the brunt.

Maybe over time the core Bitcoin wallet will evolve into a much more user friendly experience, and maybe more technologies will be created to make buying, selling, using and trading bitcoin as simple as a few clicks and easy enough for my grandmother to use (she is so technically-declined that she used to think that her dial-up internet would interfere with her tv shows, so she would never let anyone in the same room as the computer when her show was on).

Such people stay among the average and never really achieve anything in life. The process of learning how to use Bitcoin was actually quite fun for me back in the day. As time passes by it will probably get easier, with better tutorials and explanations. A lot of things are way too complex for the average person, so this shouldn't be surprising.