So then the sh*t gets real (by that I mean gnarly social order. chaos. violence) particularly within, and among those closest to and most dependent upon the empire's reach, i.e. cities. 
Some – keenly aware of concentrated, corrupted, and hierarchic power's ability to f*ck them over with the reasonability of a D11 bulldozer – they once again embrace the values (and work) of a subsistence livelihood in the country, ideally on the periphery, and with locally available resources and shipping potential. These newcomers, seeking personal autonomy, and the liberty and ability to make their homes, undoubtedly benefit and are dependent upon local traditions, customs, and knowledge. ('Not being a dick' is merely the first step.)
Ability to competently work. There, I said it. Along with the convivial mindset to fit in to where they are essentially taking refuge from said sh*t storm.
In such a scenario – wherein appropriate, mature, low-energy tools, need be communally shared and competently used (think: roofs, water, food) – where exactly does fiddling with so-called decentralized computers needing a global internet connection come into play? It doesn't. Those ones would be disabused of such priorities pretty quickly.