https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo_EIwHSd4

What is a Blockchain?

In the simplest terms, a blockchain is a system to record information that is public, transparent and maintained across many computers or nodes.  In technical terms, a blockchain is a chain of blocks and each block contains information that is time stamped to prevent any tampering and/or editing of that information.

Each of these blocks has three major parts: Data, Hash, and the previous hash.

The data that is recorded is relative to the type of blockchain that you are using and typically includes the address of the sender, address of the receiver, and the amount sent.

The hash can be represented as the block’s identity or unique identification value, similar to a person’s fingerprint or a snowflake.

The previous hash is what connects the block to its previous identity, for example, if you were to check a book out from the library it will keep a record of every book that you have ever borrowed. This is consistently updated depending on your activity.

What's makes blockchain so secure, is its built in protections against tampering. By requiring proof of work, the blockchain makes it difficult for alterations to be made to any block.

Why is it such a big deal right now?

A major paradigm shift in technology is happening right now. It is believed that blockchain technology will disrupt every industry and sector of society. As such, there is fundamental benefits of being at the forefront of this new technology, developing with and beside it, so that it is developed intentionally, empathetically, and sustainably.