NFTs and the Future of Universal Basic Equity

Every day, billions of us are on social media, posting, liking, sharing, and creating content. But here’s the truth: we don’t own any of it. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok thrive because of our contributions, yet we get nothing back. In many ways, we’re the unpaid employees of the internet.

But what if there was another way?

That’s where NFTs come in. For me, NFTs aren’t just about flashy digital art or speculative investments. They represent something much bigger: the chance to democratize ownership of the internet itself.

Why NFTs Matter Beyond Art

When most people hear “NFT,” they think of expensive jpegs or viral headlines. But the real power of NFTs is how they allow us to buy, invest in, and own digital culture. Instead of being passive participants, we can finally hold a stake in the very platforms and moments we help build.

This is where the idea of universal basic equity comes in.

From Universal Basic Income to Universal Basic Equity

We’ve all heard of universal basic income, the concept of giving people money to cover their basic needs. But I believe the next big idea is universal basic equity.

This isn’t about handing out cash. It’s about creating ownership. It’s about ensuring that the value generated online isn’t concentrated in the hands of a few corporations, but instead shared with the millions of people who make the internet what it is.

The Broken Model of Today

Look at how social media works today. Our posts, comments, and videos drive endless engagement. That engagement turns into ad revenue. That revenue fuels corporate profits.

And what do we get back? Likes, follows, maybe a bit of clout but no financial return.

This is the imbalance of the current digital economy. Users create the value. Platforms extract it. And we’re left with nothing.

How NFTs Change the Game

NFTs unlock new possibilities:

• True ownership: Individuals can hold digital assets, from art to cultural moments.

• Direct monetization: Creators can earn directly from their communities without middlemen.

• Shared value: Fans and contributors can participate in the upside of culture, not just consume it.

This isn’t just about technology, it’s about a redistribution of power. NFTs shift control from centralized platforms to individuals and communities.

The Next Decade: From Concept to Reality

I believe the idea of universal basic equity will become mainstream in the next 10 years. As NFTs evolve and adoption grows, they’ll redefine how we think about work, creativity, and participation online.

We’ll see creators building careers not just from content, but from ownership structures. Fans won’t just support their favorite artists, they'll invest in them. Communities will grow stronger because they’re financially aligned.

The result? A more inclusive digital economy that rewards the very people who make the internet what it is: us.

The Financialization of Culture

For the first time, culture itself is becoming an investable asset. With NFTs, everything from memes to music can be owned, traded, and monetized. This means creators, and even communities, can build wealth from the culture they produce and participate in.

Think about it: your favorite meme, viral moment, or piece of digital art isn’t just entertainment anymore. It’s an asset. And owning it gives you both cultural and financial equity.

The Future of Digital Participation

This is about more than NFTs. It’s about reimagining what the internet can be.

A place where value is shared, not hoarded. Where digital participation leads to ownership. Where equity is universal, not reserved for a privileged few.

That’s the promise of NFTs. That’s the future of universal basic equity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - What does NFT stand for?

NFT means Non-Fungible Token. It’s a digital certificate stored on a blockchain that proves ownership of a unique digital item, like art, music, or even a tweet. Unlike regular files, NFTs can’t be duplicated in the same way.

2 - How do NFTs work?

NFTs use blockchain technology to verify ownership and authenticity. When you buy one, your purchase is recorded on the blockchain. This record shows you own that digital asset, and it can be resold or transferred like a collectible.

3 - Can anyone create an NFT?

Yes. Artists, musicians, or even everyday people can mint NFTs using platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, or Foundation. It usually requires a crypto wallet and some cryptocurrency to cover minting fees.

4 - How are NFTs different from digital files?

A digital file like a picture can be copied endlessly. But an NFT is proof that one version of that file is authentic and owned by you. Think of it like owning the original painting versus a print.

5 - What is the connection between NFTs and cryptocurrency?

NFTs are usually bought and sold with cryptocurrencies like Ethereum. While crypto is money you can trade, NFTs are digital assets tied to unique items that you own through the blockchain.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.