HeartBeat: For the Love of Domains - An Ode to Naming

Nov 27

From the moment a human being enters the world, they’re equipped with a core set of elements that help determine the trajectory of their existence. One of these elements is a name. Regardless of its origin, a name symbolizes an opportunity to represent self and be identified by others. No matter the cultural background or social-economic status of the bearer, a name acts as the header on one’s resume of reputation. It evokes feelings when recalled, echoes sentiment when spoken and serves as a seed for some degree of legacy to be cemented. The only caveat is most of the human population doesn’t get to choose their name at birth.

For most individuals, the inability to choose one’s name doesn’t impede upon free-will; while for others it casts a shadow over their ability to discover and define self. This is why it’s not uncommon to see segments of humanity fixated on redefining who they are - all the way down to changing their names. As for whether this constitutes a rebirth, it depends on who you ask. If nothing else, it represents the pursuit of a preferred future blended with a continuation of the past. With the world moving deeper into the digital age, humanity as a whole is on the cusp of a similar evolution. One that’ll either pit us against who we are or afford us the ability to curate the digital version of self we look to be.

In the next unassuming chapter of blockchain technology and digital identity, we can expect to witness the repackaging of human-existence through domain names. Not the domains of yesterday that merely pointed to a location on a computer server; but the domains of tomorrow that’ll have our on-chain and off-chain reputations woven into their digital fabric. Our preferences, both seasonal and static, will be embodied by the utilities we choose to give our domains; along with the manner in which we leverage them. Our real-life and digital-life will have a parallel existence; and once our physical existence reaches expiry, our digital existence will act as one vehicle for carrying on the legacy we leave behind.

It’s important humanity not take this incoming opportunity to name and digitally define itself through domains for granted. Nor should it seek to abuse what is clearly shaping up to be both a generational privilege and duty to self. Each individual must expect there will be parties counting on the ignorance of the masses in order to dictate in which direction the pendulum of human representation swings. In the grand scheme, this means there will always be the potential for censorship of digital identity to one extent or another. Nevertheless, the ability to BE will always remain. This is because being born means to enter; and to perish means exiting. Yet, it’s through our names that we'll remain.

NamerTips is an education and advocacy brand that promotes healthy community, culture, creativity and commerce. Our goal is to help bridge wholesome experiences with equitable opportunities in the blockchain and internet technology sectors.

‍