Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has issued a direct call to the community, urging ADA holders to move beyond passive holding and actively use the blockchain to strengthen its ecosystem. In a post on X, Hoskinson amplified a message from crypto content creator Linda, stating, "Use the chain. Make Cardano better." He emphasized that real network value stems from practical, on-chain activity rather than token storage or price speculation.
The push for utility comes as Cardano's DeFi sector shows signs of growth, with Total Value Locked (TVL) reaching a record 520 million ADA. Hoskinson framed 2026 as a decisive year where networks must prove real-world functionality, positioning consistent user engagement as the primary driver for Cardano's sustainable expansion. He argued that increased on-chain activity boosts liquidity, attracts developers, and builds a stronger infrastructure.
Community reactions were mixed. While some users pointed to rising activity in DeFi, NFT minting, and prediction markets as proof of growing engagement, others raised concerns about reward structures. Critics argued that current incentive models, such as those tied to Glacier Drop distributions, disproportionately favor large ADA holders despite their limited network activity, calling for adjustments to better link rewards with active participation.
Hoskinson's comments arrive amid market volatility for ADA. The token has shed over 6.15% in the past week and recently fell out of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization following a severe liquidation imbalance. At the time of reporting, ADA traded at $0.2716, with a 24-hour trading volume down 33.35% to $460.78 million.
