As Bitcoin struggles to hit record highs, public interest in cryptocurrencies is slowly increasing but remains far from the euphoric peaks of 2017 and 2021, according to a new analysis by crypto research firm Alphractal.
The report notes that despite increased awareness, the wider public has yet to rekindle their fascination with crypto.
Alphractal points to several indicators that suggest there has been a modest increase in interest, but not the frenzy seen in past bull markets:
- Google Searches: While search volumes for “Crypto” and “Bitcoin” have increased, they are still significantly down from the explosive rallies of 2017 and late 2021.
- Wikipedia Views: Pages related to cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto saw slight increases in traffic, but the numbers are modest compared to past cycles.
- 4chan Activity: The anonymous online forum, once a hub for crypto speculation, is showing only minor activity, suggesting enthusiasm has not returned to former levels.
- Reddit Engagement: Crypto-related subreddits are seeing historically low levels of engagement, in stark contrast to the lively discussions of previous market peaks.
According to Alphractal, the lack of public enthusiasm could be due to broader economic conditions and a shift in market dynamics:
- Market Maturity: While awareness of crypto has increased, Bitcoin and other digital assets may no longer have the novelty they had in 2017, when many people were first exposed to cryptocurrencies.
- Economic Context: Past spikes in interest have been fueled by unique circumstances. In 2017, a speculative frenzy gripped retail investors. In 2020 and 2021, high global liquidity and the economic shock of COVID-19 fueled interest. In contrast, today’s macroeconomic uncertainty and tighter monetary policies have dampened enthusiasm across asset classes, including crypto.
The report questions whether another price doubling could reignite public excitement. Bitcoin’s recent rally to $100,000 has made headlines, but it may need further price increases to gain widespread traction.
“There is a sense that the market is maturing,” Alphractal said. “Crypto awareness has expanded, but the young, hype-driven nature of the market suggests there is still untapped potential for public engagement. Current conditions are different, and the market may need a new catalyst to reignite enthusiasm.”
*This is not investment advice.