Are blockchain and crypto essential for Web3?

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the question of whether blockchain and cryptocurrency are essential components of Web3 has gained significant traction. With the emergence of decentralized web technologies, the role of blockchain as a distributed ledger system and cryptocurrency as a means of value exchange have been thrust into the spotlight. But do these technologies truly form the core foundation of Web3, or are they merely peripheral players? As a practitioner in the field of cryptocurrency and finance, I seek to understand the intricacies of this debate and the implications it holds for the future of the internet. Is blockchain's immutability and transparency critical for Web3's security and trustworthiness? Does the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies align with Web3's vision of a more equitable and inclusive digital ecosystem? These are the questions I aim to explore in my pursuit of understanding the nexus between blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3.