Web3. It also delivered on the promises of decentralization, user empowerment, and a financial revolution. So, let’s get real. For users it’s been like running through a dark alley full of goblins, gobbledygook, gas wars, and rug pulls. The promise of financial freedom? More like financial frustration. What if I told you there's a technology emerging that has the potential to actually deliver on Web3's original vision? I'm talking about AI agents.

A.I. – The Great Equalizer?

Right now, the Web3 space favors the tech-savvy and moneyed elite. It disproportionately benefits those who have the time to continuously track market fluctuations and arbitrage complex protocols. The average American? They’re the ones continuously and increasingly getting shut out, scared off and scared out. Perhaps AI agents will prove to be the great equalizer, providing a simple, conversational interface to a world that’s rarely simple or friendly.

Now picture that same single mom, hustling at her second job to put food on the table. She can’t be bothered to become a DeFi expert, but she cares about building wealth for her future. An AI agent could help her spearhead her investments. It does this by automatically optimizing for both yield maximization and risk minimization according to her goals and risk appetite. All of a sudden, DeFi had become accessible to the non-crypto whales. At its best, it’s a resource for regular Americans to create wealth and secure their economic futures.

There is nothing I enjoy and appreciate more than when technology works the way it’s supposed to, creating amazing experiences and opportunity for all. This enthusiasm for AI agents inspires me every day!

From DeFi to Social to Gaming

AI agents aren't just about finance, though. When used properly, they can create an experience that truly transforms how we engage with everything Web3 has to offer.

  • DeFi Agents: Automating yield farming, lending/borrowing, and portfolio management.
  • Social Agents: Connecting people with shared interests, facilitating decentralized governance, and combating misinformation.
  • Gaming Agents: Providing personalized gaming experiences, creating fairer gameplay for players with disabilities, and managing in-game assets.

Consider the power of social agents. Now picture an entire community built around providing close care to veterans battling PTSD and other traumas. An AI agent could easily figure this out for individuals by analyzing their lived experiences and expressed needs. Next, it guides them to practical resources and support networks. It’s not just because they see this as a technology issue, but because they want to create better, safer, more connected communities. It's about empathy and connection.

Or think about gaming. What’s more, all too frequently, online games are overrun by highly competitive players, driving newbies away and making them feel unwelcome. An AI-supported adaptive agent can be an entirely different kind of help. This makes more equitable outcomes and helps make sure that all people have the opportunity to play and win. Addressing these issues is not simply a matter of making games more enjoyable. It’s about making gaming more accessible and equitable for all players.

Token Hype Versus Real Utility?

Okay, let's be real. But like all emerging technologies, the AI agent space is filled with hype. And of course, we’ve witnessed the explosion of AI-related on-chain activity – an increase of 86% since the beginning of 2025. Over the years, we’ve all watched the money flood in – $1.39 billion through June 2025 so far. We all witnessed the rise of the AI token market cap, followed by a swift and significant crash. The overall market capitalization of AI tokens is currently at $5.9 billion. Their 24-hour trading volume is still $1.4 billion, even after falling 64% from the all-time high in early June. Market volatility is the key term here because this is a classic case of market volatility inducing panic, fear, and hysteria.

Unfortunately, many of these AI agent tokens prioritize profit-seeking over actual utility. They're meme coins masquerading as groundbreaking technology. It's outrageous!

Amidst the hype, there are genuine projects building real, valuable solutions. Projects that are genuinely interested in empowering users, rather than merely enriching investors. Other projects that have their eyes on building a more diverse, equitable and accessible Web3. Together, these projects help create utility and value within the AI agent space. Through their pioneering efforts, they’re helping position DOTs for success in the long run.

Imagine it as the early days of the internet. Along with a huge chorus of successes, there was enormous noise, an ocean of scams and a river of startup failures. Out of all that disruption came identity platform companies like Amazon and Google. In doing so, they laid the groundwork for the world wide web we know today. The same is true of AI agents. We need to separate the signal from the noise and focus on the projects that are truly making a difference.

Fully realizing this potential will require a diverse set of actors—a true democratizing force in Web3 and more broadly. It’s up to us to make sure that this potential doesn’t go to waste. Together, let’s create a reality where AI serves as an equalizing force for all and not just the wealthy elite. Let's make Web3 truly inclusive.

  • Do Your Research: Don't just buy into the hype. Investigate the underlying technology and the team behind the project.
  • Focus on Utility: Look for AI agent tokens that provide real value, such as access to advanced features or community governance.
  • Support Inclusive Projects: Invest in projects that are actively working to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the AI agent space.

AI agents have the potential to be a democratizing force in Web3 and beyond. But it's up to us to ensure that this potential is realized. Let's build a future where AI empowers everyone, not just the privileged few. Let's make Web3 truly inclusive.