Cryptocurrencies: From hype to legitimacy

hype cycle luno blog

There has been a lot of hype surrounding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Practically all technology goes through this hype cycle before becoming mainstream – it’s a recognisable pattern and far from unique to crypto – but where in that cycle is Bitcoin? And is it leading to legitimacy?

hype cycle gif

What is the hype cycle?

The hype cycle describes the process new technology goes through before reaching mass adoption.

You’ve probably seen the cycle play out in real life; technology goes through five steps:

  1. Technology trigger: technology develops and attracts attention, it’s still not suitable for mainstream use and needs a lot more work but a handful of enthusiasts come together — usually people in the tech industry or with a strong interest and understanding of relevant ideas like cryptography.
  2. Peak of inflated expectations: Seemingly overnight, everyone is talking about this new technology. It dominates the media, and the news debates it endlessly, covering every tiny development. Success stories are everywhere and people are excited to get involved. This is also when scammers take advantage of the hype because many people don’t understand the technology but don’t want to miss out.
  3. Trough of disillusionment: Hype is unsustainable. After a while, the public loses interest and the media moves onto another topic. People get bored of hearing about the technology and may even view it as a failure. Those who criticised it from the start feel like they’ve been proven right. Even as the public stops caring so much, legitimate companies are working away to turn it into something worthy of the hype.
  4. Slope of enlightenment: With time, the technology inches its way out of the trough of disillusionment. People understand the hype was exaggerated, but it still has important potential uses. Improved regulation and information make things safer and simpler for everyone. People start making the technology part of their everyday lives.
  5. Plateau of productivity: This is where things get really interesting. Remember the last time you started using a cool new piece of tech that seemed revolutionary at first? It usually takes some time for it to fade into the background and stop seeming so exciting but eventually, the new technology becomes a mainstream part of our lives.

crypto hype cycle

Where is Bitcoin in the hype cycle?

Once it’s all over, the hype cycle is obvious. In the midst of it, things are less clear. This is because the hype cycle is not in any way scientific and it doesn’t predict anything. Think of it as a guideline.

The main lesson we can take from the hype cycle is that our perception of a technology doesn’t always reflect its actual quality and value.

Everything new goes through ups and downs. There are always critics and naysayers. But all that matters in the long-term is that we continue moving forwards towards an improved future. And that brings us to Bitcoin.

bitcoin price cycle

Bitcoin is going through a distinct hype cycle

Bitcoin’s technology trigger happened in 2009 when a person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto launched Bitcoin.

At first, only a handful of people knew it existed: those who received the white paper (explaining what Bitcoin would be) on a mailing list and a few developers who worked with Nakamoto to make things work.

After Nakamoto stepped away from the project, new people joined the team and news spread through forums. Unsurprisingly, early adopters were mostly people interested in cryptography. They believed in it from the start because they understood both the technology and the mission.

But where is Bitcoin in the hype cycle now?

Bitcoin hit step two (the peak of inflated expectations) around 2016–2017. Prices exploded. Everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon. Companies added ‘Bitcoin’ to their names to boost stock prices. Thousands of new cryptocurrencies developed.

You couldn’t glance at a news site or social media without hearing something about Bitcoin. Everyone had an opinion.

hype cycle crypto blog

It’s widely believed Bitcoin is now at step four (the slope of enlightenment), and becoming legitimized.

  • Bitcoin is gaining acceptance in various industries, including the mainstream financial industry (think Fidelity)
  • More and more companies accept Bitcoin as payment
  • Traditional investors are getting involved and buying Bitcoin
  • Governments are moving towards regulation and licencing
  • People are starting to fit Bitcoin into their lives and use it to solve problems
  • The price is now linked to the value of the technology, not just hype

What does this mean?

Sadly, we can’t predict the future. But we believe we’re moving towards the point of widespread adoption of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are reaching legitimacy and being used for investment, remittances, and payments.

Before one of the main barriers was the difficulty with finding an easy to use, trustworthy exchange and wallet provider.

At Luno we’re filling those gaps and providing the reliable, secure infrastructure necessary for everyone to get started with cryptocurrencies. The hype is over and we’re closer to an upgraded financial system that’s accessible to everyone. Are you ready to join?

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