In tokens we trust? communicative power, participation, and governance in decentralized social media

IntroductionThis study examines how decentralized social media platforms are reshaping participatory communication and platform governance in contemporary digital environments. Drawing on a socio-technical perspective, the analysis explores how blockchain infrastructures, token-based economies, and community-driven rule-making reconfigure established models of media control, participation, and authority.MethodsUsing a qualitative mixed-method approach that combines a structured review of prior research with expert interviews from the Web3 ecosystem, the study develops an integrative analytical framework that captures the evolving relationships between infrastructure, participation, and governance in decentralized platforms.ResultsBy conceptualizing decentralization as a transformation in communicative power rather than a purely technical shift, the paper shows how user agency, trust, and visibility are negotiated through programmable infrastructures and collective governance mechanisms. While decentralized systems promise greater autonomy and transparency, the findings also highlight persistent tensions related to usability, equity, and regulatory ambiguity.DiscussionBy situating these tensions within broader debates on platform governance and digital communication, the study contributes to communication scholarship on emerging media systems and offers insights into the societal implications of decentralized digital infrastructures.