Decentralization
Distributing control, data, or operations across multiple independent nodes rather than centralizing.
Also known as: Distributed systems, Peer-to-peer, Non-centralized
Category: Concepts
Tags: technologies, systems, architecture, governance, networks
Explanation
Decentralization is the distribution of control, data, or operations across multiple independent nodes rather than concentrating them in a single central authority. It applies to: data (distributed storage), computation (distributed processing), governance (distributed decision-making), and networks (peer-to-peer rather than client-server). Benefits of decentralization: resilience (no single point of failure), censorship resistance (no single entity to pressure), reduced trust requirements (verify rather than trust), and distributed power (no monopoly control). Decentralization spectrum: from fully centralized (single authority) through federated (multiple authorities cooperating) to fully decentralized (no authority, peer-to-peer). Examples: email (federated - many servers, interoperable), blockchain (decentralized - distributed consensus), BitTorrent (decentralized file sharing), and Mastodon/Fediverse (federated social). Tradeoffs: centralization is often more efficient, decentralization can be slower and more complex, user experience may suffer, and coordination becomes harder. Not all decentralization is equal - 'decentralization theater' can hide practical centralization. For knowledge workers, decentralization offers: reduced dependency on single providers, more resilient systems, and alternative models for services - but requires understanding the real distribution of control.
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