As #SocialMining communities reflect on what defined Web3 in 2025, platforms built around $WAXP and discussions involving @WAX Official increasingly point toward a subtle transition. Prediction markets captured attention last year, but their success may signal a broader shift rather than a final destination.

What prediction markets proved is that Web3 excels when it captures human behavior in real time. This insight opens the door to new models centered on identity, participation, and context-aware assets. Instead of focusing on price alone, future applications may prioritize who is acting, why, and under what conditions.

NFTs are likely to persist, but not in their original form. Utility-driven NFTs — tied to access, reputation, or evolving digital states — could replace speculative collectibles. These assets gain relevance through use rather than resale, aligning better with long-term engagement.

Another area gaining attention is on-chain social coordination. As communities fragment across platforms, tools that unify expression, voting, and contribution may become critical infrastructure. These systems don’t aim to dominate headlines, but to quietly support how people organize online.

Memecoins may still appear, but more as cultural artifacts than economic engines. Their value lies in speed and expression, acting as emotional snapshots of internet sentiment.

Looking ahead, Web3 in 2026 may feel less explosive and more intentional. The next wave may not announce itself loudly — it may simply work better, scale more smoothly, and reflect how communities actually behave rather than how markets speculate.