Vitalik Buterin wants Ethereum [ETH] to be the backbone of decentralized AI, but the timing for his big vision is… well, awkward at best. The long-term pitch is perhaps getting bigger, but Ethereum is under real pressure right now.
The pitch for control
Rather than pitching Ethereum as a way to build super intelligent AI faster, Buterin recently argued that the framing itself can use a bit of work. To him, “working on AGI” is an empty goal, one that prioritizes power over purpose.
Instead, he wants AI to move in a direction that protects people. That means avoiding futures where humans lose power; neither to machines nor to systems controlled by a few institutions.
Source: X
In this picture, Ethereum is support infrastructure. One role is helping people interact with AI in safer and more private ways, such as using local models, making payments without exposing identity. It also includes verifying what AI systems are doing instead of blindly trusting them. Another role is acting as a shared economic layer, where AI programs can pay each other, post deposits, or build reputation without a central authority.
Longer term, AI could help make old crypto ideas actually usable. Buterin stated,
“We can revisit the best ideas from 2014… and with AI (and ZK) we have a whole new set of tools to make them come to life.”
Big ideas, rough reality
While he also spoke about shaping the future of AI and decentralized systems, the present reality for Ethereum might be far less inspiring.
Source: TradingView
ETH prices have slid to yearly lows. Meanwhile, in January, Ethereum was firmly beaten in DEX volume by Solana [SOL], which processed more than double the trades.
Source: X
The roadmap is ambitious and intellectually compelling, but markets are impatient. Traders and builders are voting with their feet and right now, many are choosing Solana.
Unless Ethereum can translate its long-term vision into tangible growth, the gap may keep widening.
Final Thoughts
- Ethereum’s decentralized AI vision is bold, but the network’s present struggles are impossible to ignore.
- Traders may keep choosing the competition over long-term ideals.