The Philosophy of Web3 and Post-Humanism: Where is Digital Identity Heading in TON?
When Donna Haraway published her Cyborg Manifesto in 1985, it was widely dismissed as a provocative intellectual game or futuristic fantasy. Haraway argued that the human "self" had already lost its autonomy and purely biological nature, becoming dissolved within technological flows and networks. At the time, this sounded like an intriguing philosophical metaphor with little relevance to everyday life.
Four decades later, Haraway's ideas have become not just relevant but commonplace. Today, our identities are shaped not only by our physical presence in the real world but also through countless digital profiles, accounts, and wallets. Indeed, we are approaching a point where these digital entities may become even more important than the physical bodies they represent.
The integration of TON into Telegram naturally fits into this context. In 2023, the TON blockchain officially became part of Telegram's ecosystem with the launch of TON Space, and by 2025, the platform had declared TON its exclusive blockchain. As a result, Telegram effectively became the world's first social network with a billion-strong audience fully immersed in the ideas of Web3.
Recently, Telegram and TON introduced several major innovations: virtual NFT-based phone numbers, digital NFT gifts, reputation tokens, and autonomous mini-apps. For the first time, blockchain is embedded into the everyday interactions of millions, reshaping user habits and perceptions of identity.
But this evolution raises deeper questions beyond convenience: how does our perception of self change when digital identity becomes equal to, or even dominant over, our physical identity? Where will this transformation lead, and how will our identities evolve in the age of digital assets and decentralized systems?
Let's explore this through recent developments in the TON ecosystem.
NFT Gifts as a New Dimension of Communication
Until recently, digital gifts were ephemeral—sent and soon forgotten. Telegram changed this paradigm by converting virtual gifts into full-fledged NFTs. Now, a digital bunny or flower doesn't vanish in chat archives; it lives independently. It can be transferred, sold, or even foster communities of collectors. A gift becomes part of the recipient's personal history, gaining a value comparable to emotional attachments to physical objects.
Imagine this scenario: Anna gifts Michael a virtual flower for his birthday. This flower won't simply fade into chat history—it will remain permanently. Michael could pass it on to someone special or even sell it on an NFT marketplace.
What's critical here is the transformation in human communication. By gifting a digital object, individuals express emotions and establish a permanent, visible digital bond. Each NFT—even the simplest one—begins to symbolize personal relationships, giving birth to a new digital culture where virtual items possess tangible significance.
NFT Phone Numbers: Anonymity as the New Identity
Even more transformative is the introduction of NFT-based virtual phone numbers on Telegram (+888), initially launched via TON. These numbers exist independently from mobile operators and passport details. Instead, identity is no longer tied to personal documentation but represented securely and independently on-chain through unique NFTs.
This technology enables people to explore various dimensions of their digital identities while fully controlling their privacy and anonymity. One can use one number for professional activities, another for interactions in crypto communities, and a third for participating in DAO initiatives and on-chain activities. Rather than fragmenting identity, this approach enriches it—allowing identity to become more nuanced, flexible, and adaptive to different contexts.
Thus, we’re not abandoning our authentic selves; rather, we’re empowered to express different facets of our personalities more intentionally within digital spaces.
Reputation Tokens: Redefining Social Value
Perhaps the most intriguing TON update involves reputation tokens, known as TON Society ID. These are not merely virtual badges or social media followers—they are verified, on-chain records of your participation in community life, DAO voting activities, and contributions to shared projects.
For example, imagine Alice, — an active participant in a TON-based DAO. Previously, she was just "one user among thousands." Now, her reputation tokens visibly demonstrate her consistent and meaningful contributions, giving her status clarity. Her activity is transparent and trustworthy, visible directly on-chain.
In this system, reputation isn't measured by followers or likes. Instead, a new standard emerges, one defined by authentic engagement and contributions, verifiably documented on-chain. In the long term, this could radically transform approaches to trust and personal significance online, creating a world where your social capital directly reflects your verified community impact.
Mini Apps on Telegram: Digital Identity as Everyday Practice
Telegram's mini-apps powered by TON have made blockchain invisible. Users can seamlessly pay for services, vote in DAO governance, or create NFTs without even realizing blockchain’s involvement. Blockchain becomes analogous to electricity—an invisible infrastructure that simply works.
This approach fundamentally shifts our relationship with Web3. Previously the realm of crypto enthusiasts, blockchain now permeates daily life. Mini Apps simplify technological access, integrating blockchain into everyday actions. No longer distinguishing between "regular" actions and "blockchain" actions, we experience a unified digital reality.
Conclusion: Digital Identity as the New Freedom
Telegram and TON have set a precedent for mass adoption and natural integration of blockchain technology, fundamentally changing self-perception. Right now, we’re only witnessing the early stages of a process that will continue to evolve. Soon, digital identity may become central to who we are, with physical existence acting merely as a complement.
This new paradigm offers immense potential for personal freedom, creativity, and self-expression—but also presents significant challenges. We must consciously manage our relationship with digital identities, maintaining authenticity and self-awareness, while understanding the boundaries between the virtual and the real to avoid losing ourselves in endless digital performances.
But one thing is clear: the era envisioned by Haraway is here, and we’re among its first true inhabitants. Our choices today will define whether digital identity becomes our empowering tool or the source of new dependency. The future is digital—and it’s in our hands.
