The Z Generation's Move into Web3 Behind the Hype
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The Z Generation's Move into Web3 Behind the Hype
How can the bold and ambitious Generation Z get started with Web3? What opportunities and challenges do they face amid the crypto winter?
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insights
Generation Z in Web3: Where Are They Now?
Generation Z, also known as the "internet generation" or "digital natives," were born after 1998. They grew up immersed in the digital era, seamlessly connected to the internet from birth and shaped by digital information technologies. Bold, imaginative, and action-oriented, they naturally resonate with the free-spirited and adventurous ethos of Web3. As the first true natives of Web3, Gen Z is bringing boundless expectations to the industry.
As time marches forward, and as Eileen Chang once said, “Fame should come early,” standout figures continue to emerge in the Web3 space—many of them from Generation Z. According to a survey by Qingshan Capital, Gen Z is on the rise, with the majority of KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) on relevant websites belonging to this generation.
The younger generation is rising, often portrayed in Web3 as energetic and full of ambition. Graduates from elite universities, launching Web3 startups, joining high-profile projects—these are the stereotypical images held by the public. Yet such achievements are often closely tied to real-world advantages like “affluent backgrounds” or “having paths paved by others,” which inevitably makes their label as “Web3 pioneers” seem somewhat privileged.
In reality, most members of Gen Z today are still university students. Beyond stereotypes, their backgrounds are not particularly “special.” They are simply “ordinary people we see every day,” but their journeys into exploring Web3 have made them anything but ordinary.
How do these bold young individuals enter the world of Web3? And what opportunities and challenges do they face amid the current crypto winter? TinTinLand sat down with several Gen Z Web3 enthusiasts from Zhejiang University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Shenzhen University to learn about their stories and experiences—offering a different perspective on the industry’s evolution.
Entering Web3: A Choice for Those Unwilling to Settle
The concept of Web3 was first proposed in 2014 by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum and founder of Polkadot. Since then, blockchain technology has advanced rapidly, culminating in an ecosystem explosion in 2021, transitioning Web3 from a theoretical idea to one undergoing value validation. Compared to the West, Web3 arrived later in China, and resources supporting Web3 developers remain relatively scarce. Most Gen Z members are currently studying at domestic universities, meaning entering Web3 from campus is inherently a process of “crossing the river by feeling the stones.”
G, a student from Zhejiang University, described his entry into Web3 as “quite lucky.” He joined the university's Blockchain Association, which features both technical and business departments and offers a structured development program for new members. The association regularly hosts workshops and collaborates with unions and alumni both on and off-campus. The university has also shown strong support—for example, when Vitalik Buterin visited in 2018, association members participated in the event. Using the resources provided by the association, G learned Web3 technologies, engaged in Web3 development, and took part in blockchain hackathons.
Moreover, entering Web3 is not limited by academic major—anyone with ideas and initiative can find their place. Three students from the Blockchain Association at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law come from Financial Engineering, Information Security, and International Economics and Trade. When asked how they got involved, they all said it stemmed from curiosity about “something new” and a desire to explore. While each has had some internship experience with Web3 projects, most have only “dipped their toes in.” Currently, the association runs a Web3 research project and organizes offline meetups.
P, a student from Shenzhen University, joined his school’s blockchain association as a “veteran” Web3er. P first encountered blockchain back in 2018 during intense middle school exam preparation, seeking an outlet to relieve stress. By chance, he discovered the blockchain space and began exploring Web3 as a way to unwind. He started by reading social media updates about the Ethereum ecosystem and learning from technical articles. Later, he met a Web3 “mentor” who supported him in launching his own DAO. Today, he continues researching DeFi projects and constantly improving himself.
Confusion: The Norm When Exploring the Unknown
Unlike traditional internet models where concepts follow real-world applications, Web3 is characterized by concept-first development. As a buzzword for technological frontiers, Web3 evolves rapidly, with new technologies and products emerging constantly. For Gen Z, trying to understand and learn about this fast-moving field presents a significant challenge.
"Some things take a long time to understand; by the time you do, it might already be too late. Most decisions are made without full clarity, which is why confusion arises." These words from Haruki Murakami’s *Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World* seem just as fitting for Gen Z navigating Web3.
Transitioning from Theory to Practice Isn’t Easy
G from Zhejiang University shared that his main learning method involves peer exchanges within the association—members collectively gather resources, share updates, and pass down insights from events like hackathons. Last year, G participated in his first Web3 hackathon. Beforehand, he consulted the former president who had prior experience and teamed up with fellow association members. In the end, they won the Best Student Project award. It was his first hands-on Web3 experience, and he admitted, “It was really tough.” Building a product from scratch requires not just technical skills but also knowledge across product development—an uphill climb for students used to academic environments. Still, he emphasized that the bar for entry isn’t too high: anyone can take that first practical step.
Learning Web3 Is No Easy Task
H, a member of the blockchain association at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, expressed frustration over available learning pathways. Not coming from a computer science background, he lacks coding fundamentals. To dive deeper into Web3, he spends his free time searching Google and Bilibili for tutorials. However, with ongoing academic pressures, absorbing new knowledge consistently remains difficult. Moreover, Web3 technology spans a wide range of complex topics. With no professional Web3 developers on campus to guide him, self-study often leaves him feeling “lost.”
Similarly, P from Shenzhen University noted that while he reads many technical documents, it’s more for research than actual development. Though interested in learning Solidity, he hasn’t taken concrete steps yet. Setting aside external constraints, subjectively he says, “Learning a new language means reconstructing my cognitive framework—and this field feels overwhelmingly complex to me.”
Moving Forward: Gen Z Embracing a Transformative Era
There is confusion, there is hesitation, yet Gen Z’s march into Web3 does not stop here. Even as the crypto industry faces a downturn, cooling rapidly from the boom of recent years, these young people remain passionate. In many ways, Web3 has become a firm direction for their exploration and growth.
Keep Learning, Keep Advancing
“No rush in a bear market—focus on learning and building depth,” said G from Zhejiang University. His current focus in Web3 is skill development. He’s working on project builds with a few friends and hopes to join more hackathons to grow through practice. “The feeling of actually building something is truly rewarding.” He also recommended a gamified programming platform for learning smart contracts called "CryptoZombies", where users can follow step-by-step tutorials to start coding.
Make Time, Dare to Act
Despite limited time on campus, H from Zhongnan University still squeezes in learning moments. During long breaks like winter and summer vacations, he systematically takes courses—for instance, he completed Moonbeam’s developer program to better understand cross-chain development. During semesters, he enrolls in fintech-related classes, aiming to grasp underlying Web3 algorithms and technologies to prepare for future development work or even direct involvement in Web3 projects.
While Young, Seek More Experience
P from Shenzhen University said he often "pushes himself hard." He believes that while still young, he should create, gain more project experience, and accumulate more resources. He also sees working alongside “exceptional people” as a fast track to personal growth, emphasizing the need to build independent thinking and efficient collaboration skills. Finally, he stresses the importance of developing the ability to filter Web3 information—following trusted Web3 news outlets and forming a daily habit of staying updated on the latest trends.
The Young Are Fearsome: Their Stories Continue
In the world of Web3, the first teenage celebrity was undoubtedly Vitalik Buterin (V God). In 2014, when he co-launched Ethereum with Gavin Wood, he was only 20 years old. Today, Ethereum has become one of the foundational platforms of the entire blockchain world.
Today, most Gen Z members are in their early twenties. True, they may lack extensive Web3 development experience or multiple project track records, but they’ve evolved from curious beginners to determined explorers. Through unique insights and a pioneering spirit, they keep moving forward. “The future belongs to the young,” and the future of Web3 will be shaped by this ever-growing generation.
This interview is the third in TinTinLand’s series spotlighting individual Web3ers and community portraits. We’ve witnessed how young Gen Z members, despite numerous challenges and obstacles, remain focused and committed to overcoming difficulties. We will continue to follow these rising stars exploring Web3 on campus, contributing fresh ideas and creativity to the industry. Meanwhile, TinTinLand will provide resources, technical guidance, courses, and project support for Gen Z entering Web3, looking forward to seeing this emerging force co-build the future of Web3.
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