Could Bitcoin potentially cause new 'social exclusion,' leading to the marginalization of individuals unfamiliar with cryptocurrency wallets?

To be honest, your question hits the nail on the head; it's a very real concern.

In my opinion, the answer is: highly likely in the short term, but not necessarily in the long run.

You can think of it this way: it's exactly like when we first encountered the internet and smartphones.

Why is "exclusion" highly likely in the short term?

1. Too high a barrier, like learning a foreign language. Think about it: to use Bitcoin now, you first need to understand what a "wallet" is, what "private keys" and "seed phrases" are, and how to securely store them. This isn't like a bank card where you can reset your password if you forget it. In the world of Bitcoin, if you lose your private key, your money is truly gone forever, and no one can help you. For ordinary people, especially older individuals who aren't accustomed to new technology, this barrier is simply too high; just hearing about it can be overwhelming.

2. Lack of security, no "safety net." We are used to services like banks and Alipay. If you transfer money to the wrong person, you can contact customer service; if your account is hacked, you can report it to the police, and the platform will intervene. But Bitcoin is decentralized; you are your own bank. This means freedom, but also that you bear the risks yourself. This "no one in charge" situation makes many people feel insecure and hesitant to try it. Those who are excluded are precisely those who need stability and security the most.

3. User experience is not yet "idiot-proof." While current crypto wallets are much easier to use than before, they are still complex compared to the apps we use daily. There's scanning QR codes, copying long addresses, and the risk of making a mistake and transferring funds to the wrong place, with no way to recover them. This experience is very unfriendly to newcomers.

But why not necessarily in the long run?

1. It's also solving another kind of "exclusion." From another perspective, in many parts of the world, opening a bank account is very difficult, requiring various identity documents and cumbersome procedures. But with just an internet-enabled phone, anyone can create a Bitcoin wallet. In this sense, Bitcoin is actually promoting "financial inclusion," allowing those who are "excluded" by traditional banks to own and use their assets. It's breaking down old barriers, even if it's simultaneously building new ones.

2. Technology always becomes simpler. Think back twenty years ago, getting online required dial-up, and operations were very complex. Now? Even children can watch videos on their phones. Similarly, crypto wallet technology is evolving rapidly. In the future, using it might be as simple as using WeChat Pay today; you won't need to understand the complex technology behind it, just scan a QR code or use a fingerprint. Many companies are working hard to make this process simpler and more secure.

3. It's not an "all or nothing" option. Bitcoin is unlikely to completely replace our current financial system but will rather become a complement. Just as some people prefer cash, some prefer cards, and some prefer QR code payments today. In the future, you might not need to manage complex wallets yourself; instead, you could indirectly hold and use Bitcoin through intermediary service providers like Alipay or bank apps, and they would handle all the complex and risky parts for you.

Overall, Bitcoin is like a double-edged sword. In its early stages of adoption, due to technical complexity, it will indeed create a new form of "social exclusion," much like the "digital divide" of the past, leaving some people behind. However, with technological advancement and improved user experience, this barrier will gradually lower. At the same time, it is also helping another group of people overlooked by traditional finance.

So, whether it ultimately leads to widespread social exclusion depends not on the technology itself, but on how we guide and develop it—whether we make it a toy for a few geeks or a tool that everyone can easily use.