If it walks like a scheme, talks like a scheme, and memes like a cult... it might not be "financial freedom."
The Promise: Decentralize the System, Man!
Bitcoin was supposed to be the great equalizer. No more evil banks. No more government oversight. Just you, a laptop, and the promise of financial liberation. It whispered sweet nothings about breaking away from The System™ and handing the power back to the people.
But that dream mutated.
It became a loud, muscular meme factory selling Lambos, laser eyes, and 6-figure fantasies to people one missed rent payment away from a GoFundMe.
The New Hustle Culture (Now With Crypto!)
Let’s be brutally honest: Bitcoin isn't empowering the average person. It’s feeding off them.
Crypto bros talk like evangelists. Their charts are scripture. Their “freedom” is gated by Discords, pump-and-dumps, and the blind worship of volatility.
“If you just hold on for dear life a little longer, you’ll make it.”
Translation: Please don't sell before I do.
It’s a pyramid of belief, with influencers cashing in while their followers gamble away student loans and grocery budgets.
Bitcoin vs. MLM: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bitcoin Culture | MLM Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Promises Wealth? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Requires Recruitment? | ✅ (referrals, shilling) | ✅ (friends/family) |
| Glorifies Hustle? | ✅ (“Grind while they sleep”) | ✅ (“Boss babe grindset”) |
| Blames You If You Fail? | ✅ (“You didn’t HODL”) | ✅ (“You didn’t work hard”) |
| Real Winners? | ✅ (early adopters) | ✅ (top of the pyramid) |
Starting to see it?
But Isn't Bitcoin Different?
Absolutely. Bitcoin could be revolutionary — but the movement around it? Not so much.
The original promise has been buried under:
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Gatekeeping jargon
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Toxic masculinity
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Raging speculation
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And TikToks selling you on mining rigs from Alibaba
The tech might be legit. The culture is not.
Environmental Impact? You Don’t Want to Know.
Let’s talk emissions. Bitcoin mining is a power-devouring monster. We're burning through more energy than entire countries — just so someone can buy a monkey JPG or brag on X (Twitter).
It's the equivalent of lighting your house on fire to toast a marshmallow.
What’s Left for the Rest of Us?
If you’re not already in deep, don’t be seduced by the hype machine. Look at:
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Long-term investing through diversified ETFs
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Understanding your actual financial goals
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Ethical platforms that promote learning, not gambling
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Actual innovation in fintech (blockchain without the bros)
Bitcoin didn't fail — the people pushing it did. When tech gets hijacked by hustle culture, everyone loses. Before you sink your paycheck into a coin some influencer screamed about, ask yourself:
Is this financial freedom… or just the newest flavor of Kool-Aid?
Further Reading: