Is Bitcoin fostering a form of digital tribalism?

Hey, that's a very interesting and quite incisive question. If you ask me, the answer is: Yes, and quite obviously so.

It's not necessarily a bad term. You can think of it as being similar to die-hard fans of certain brands or loyal supporters of a sports team, except the "tribe" of Bitcoin has an even stronger cohesion, driven by tangible interests and a unique set of values.

Let me break it down for you, and you'll understand.

1. Common "Belief" System

Bitcoin's core supporters (often called "OGs" or "Maximalists") don't just see it as an investment; it's more like an ideology, a "rebellion" against the existing financial system.

• Core Dogma: They believe in "decentralization," meaning power shouldn't be held by banks or governments; they believe in "deflation," arguing that money shouldn't be printed indiscriminately, leading to devaluation; and they believe in "code is law," where rules should be transparent and immutable.
• Code of Conduct: The famous "HODL" (hold on for dear life) culture is the most direct manifestation of this belief. Regardless of price volatility, true believers choose to "HODL" because they trust in Bitcoin's long-term future, not short-term price movements. It's like tribal members' loyalty to their totem.

2. Unique "Jargon" and Context

Every community has its own jargon, and the Bitcoin community is particularly rich in it.

• Common Terms: For instance, "HODL" as mentioned earlier, "FUD" (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), "FOMO" (fear of missing out), "laser eyes" (many on Twitter add laser eyes to their avatars, symbolizing belief in Bitcoin reaching $100,000), and "Have fun staying poor" (a taunt directed at those who don't understand Bitcoin).
• Identity: These terms are not just jargon; they are also identity markers. When you use these words, people in the community immediately recognize you as "one of us," and this sense of identity quickly builds rapport, forming an exclusive circle.

3. Clear "Us" vs. "Them"

A crucial characteristic of tribalism is a clear distinction between "insiders" and "outsiders."

• "Us": Naturally, Bitcoin holders and believers.
• "Them": This category is broad. It can include traditional financial institutions (Wall Street, banks), national governments and central banks (because Bitcoin challenges their monetary issuance authority), and even other cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin maximalists often refer to other coins as "altcoins/shitcoins").

This sense of opposition makes internal members feel more united, as if they are collectively fighting a powerful "enemy," thereby strengthening the tribe's cohesion.

4. Rituals and Totems

A tribe cannot exist without rituals and totems.

• Totems: The orange "₿" symbol of Bitcoin, and the aforementioned "laser eyes," have become visual totems for this digital tribe.
• Rituals: For example, "Stacking Sats" (continuously buying even tiny units of Bitcoin) and running one's own "full node" (considered one of the noblest acts of contributing to the network). The most important ritual is the quadrennial "Halving." For the entire community, the halving is like a grand festival, celebrated and anticipated by all, because it mechanically ensures Bitcoin's scarcity, serving as a core pillar of their belief.

In summary:

So, do you ask if Bitcoin is forming a kind of digital tribalism? I think it's a very apt description. It has its own beliefs (decentralization), language (jargon), enemies (traditional finance), and rituals (halving), all of which collectively form a very stable and cohesive community.

This tribal culture gives the Bitcoin community immense cohesion; no matter how much the market drops, there's always a group of loyal supporters. However, its drawbacks are also evident: it can easily become insular, resistant to external criticism, and even harbor an inexplicable hostility towards other technologies.

Like any tribe, it serves both as a sanctuary for its members and potentially a wall that hinders its integration with the outside world.