A fresh study has turned heads in the crypto world. It reveals unexpected truths about US Bitcoin owners.
The Nakamoto Institute led the charge. They surveyed 3,538 American adults. Their goal? Dig deep into who really owns Bitcoin.
Troy Cross and Andrew Perkins spearheaded the research. They wanted more than just surface-level data.
"We aimed to understand the roots of our psycho-social identities," Troy shared on X.
The results? They're a far cry from common assumptions.
Bitcoin owners aren't just right-wing libertarians. They span the political spectrum. This finding shocked even the researchers.
"We were dead wrong," Cross admitted on X. "Bitcoin ownership doesn't skew towards the political right or libertarianism."
Age and gender stood out as key factors. Owners tend to be younger and male. But that's where the stereotypes end.
The study found no strong links between Bitcoin ownership and race, ethnicity, religion, or income. Education and financial literacy didn't play a big role either.
Political views among owners mirror the broader US population. Most are moderates. Smaller groups lean conservative or liberal.
Here's a kicker: Very liberal individuals are more likely to own Bitcoin than moderates.
The study also looked at moral values. Both liberal and conservative ethics show up among owners. There's no clear tilt either way.
So what sets Bitcoin owners apart? It's not who they are. It's what they know and believe about Bitcoin.
Trust, knowledge, and perceived utility are the big differentiators. Owners tend to view Bitcoin as useful and morally sound.
Cross summed it up on X: "The 14% of Americans who own Bitcoin are simply those who've studied the tech and like what they see."
In short, the typical US Bitcoin owner isn't a stereotype. They're just an American who's done their homework on crypto.
This study could shake up how we think about Bitcoin adoption. It's not about political leanings or demographics. It's about understanding and belief in the technology.
The crypto world might need to rethink its approach. Targeting specific groups might not be the way to go. Instead, focusing on education and building trust could be the key to wider adoption.
As the crypto landscape evolves, so too might our understanding of who's along for the ride. This study is just the beginning. It opens the door for more nuanced research into the minds of Bitcoin owners.
One thing's clear: The face of Bitcoin in America is more diverse than we thought. It's a melting pot of ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds. Just like America itself.