Edited By
Maria Gonzalez

A renewed focus on the utility of NFTs is reshaping the conversation in the crypto community, as comments from various forums highlight the technology's potential beyond its speculative past. With the hype from 2021-2022 fading, many are calling for practical applications like ticketing and identity verification.
Key conversations reveal three main themes regarding NFTs:
Utility Over Speculation: Many people argue that the initial surge in NFT popularity was primarily driven by speculative purchases, particularly of digital art. One user noted, "The whole jpeg craze was just people speedrunning speculation."
Practical Applications: Users are increasingly recognizing real-world applications for NFTs, citing use cases like supply chain tracking and academic achievements. "NFTs have actual utility among blockchain projects," one commenter said.
Skepticism Towards Adoption: Despite understanding potential benefits, a common theme is doubt about widespread adoption. As one user pointed out, "The actual use case isn't going to make it a gambling hall, so no one is doing that."
"Serialized digital everything with a decentralized exchange is dangerous to many existing industries, but I personally cannot wait for it," a user claimed, expressing optimism about NFTs' future potential.
Individuals are now looking beyond the "shiny rocks" of the past.
β¦ Many view the shift towards utility as necessary for NFT longevity.
β½ Speculative tendencies are waning among crypto enthusiasts.
π "NFTs have a use. 99.9% of crypto is nonsense," a strong sentiment that reflects growing frustration with non-functional projects.
The conversation points to an evolving landscape where user demand for functional NFTs may lead to a resurgence in their development and adoption. Will the NFT market transform into a hub for practical applications? It appears that the momentum is building, albeit slowly, towards a more functional interpretation of what these assets can be.
With 2026 underway, the future of NFTs may depend less on flashy art and more on their ability to serve real-world needs.
As NFTs transition from speculative assets to service-oriented tools, thereβs a strong chance weβll see a sharp increase in practical applications. Experts estimate around 60% of new NFT projects launched in 2026 will focus on real-world utility, such as ticketing, verification systems, and supply chain management. The demand for functional assets is growing, paired with a notable decline in speculative buying, making it likely that innovators will meet this shift head-on. If the trend toward utility continues, NFTs may very well anchor themselves into supply chains and personal identity management by 2027, solidifying their relevance and reducing the stigma surrounding the technology.
The evolution of NFTs echoes the early days of personal computers, where initial excitement faded into skepticism due to limited real-world applications. In the late 1970s, many dismissed personal computers as toys for tech enthusiasts, yet visionaries saw their potential for broader utility. It wasnβt until businesses recognized their value for data management and communication that they surged into everyday life, much like how NFTs may transform through practical adoption today. The trajectory of personal computing serves as a reminder that innovative technology often requires time and real-world usability to achieve mainstream success.