Is Bitcoin building a new 'digital tribalism'?
That's a very interesting and pertinent question. My answer is: Yes, and this trend is very evident.
Imagine it like supporting a sports team or being a fan of a celebrity. Initially, you might just think the team plays well, or the celebrity's songs are good. But gradually, you start wearing their jerseys, visiting their forums, discussing with other fans, and even arguing online to defend them.
The "digital tribalism" in the Bitcoin community is precisely this, only it's more complex and profound.
1. Shared 'Beliefs' and 'Myths'
Bitcoin's core fans, often called 'Bitcoin Maximalists,' don't just view Bitcoin as an investment. In their eyes, Bitcoin is a revolution, a weapon against the traditional financial system (e.g., banks, government currency debasement). They believe Bitcoin is 'digital gold,' the only truly decentralized, secure, and scarce digital asset. This shared conviction serves as the tribe's 'totem' or 'faith.' And the founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, like a mysterious, unseen tribal ancestor, adds a legendary aura to this tribe.
2. Unique 'Jargon' and Rituals
Every tribe has its own language, and the Bitcoin community is no exception. For instance:
- HODL: Originally a misspelling of 'Hold,' it has now become synonymous with 'holding steadfastly regardless of price fluctuations.' Saying you 'HODL' signals that you are one of them, a staunch believer.
- 'Diamond Hands': Describes those who refuse to sell even during extreme market volatility.
- 'Sats': The smallest unit of Bitcoin. Tribe members say 'Stacking Sats,' meaning to regularly buy even tiny amounts of Bitcoin, which is a cumulative tribal ritual.
When you can skillfully use these terms, you are more easily accepted into the circle and gain a sense of belonging.
3. Distinct 'Us' vs. 'Them'
This is the core of tribalism. From the perspective of the Bitcoin tribe, the world is clearly divided into several categories of people:
- Us: Naturally, the Bitcoin believers.
- Them:
- 'No-coiner': People who are completely unaware of or don't believe in any cryptocurrency; in their view, they are 'outsiders' or 'muggles.'
- 'Shitcoiner': People who invest in cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (altcoins). In the eyes of the most extreme Bitcoin Maximalists, all other coins are scams, 'heretics' to be scorned.
- Traditional financial institutions and regulators: These are seen by the tribe as 'enemies' or 'old powers,' targets that Bitcoin aims to disrupt.
This 'us vs. them' mentality greatly strengthens internal tribal cohesion. When outsiders criticize Bitcoin, tribe members unite, present a united front, and collectively defend their beliefs.
Why does this tribalism form?
- High Risk, High Reward: Many people have invested significant amounts of money, even their life savings, into Bitcoin. Such substantial investment creates a strong psychological defense mechanism, requiring constant reinforcement of one's beliefs to persevere through drastic price fluctuations.
- Internet Amplification Effect: On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, people easily gravitate towards those with similar views, forming an 'echo chamber.' Within this small circle, tribal beliefs are constantly reiterated and strengthened, while dissenting voices are blocked or attacked. Over time, the tribal culture intensifies.
- Search for Belonging: Many people in modern society feel lost. Joining a group with a grand narrative (e.g., 'changing global finance with technology') and clear goals can provide a strong sense of belonging and identity.
Therefore, it's no exaggeration to say that Bitcoin is building a new form of 'digital tribalism.' This tribal culture is one of the key reasons Bitcoin has survived countless suppressions and doubts over the past decade, providing strong community support and a foundation of belief. Conversely, however, this strong exclusionary sentiment and 'holier-than-thou' attitude also deter many newcomers and hinder communication and cooperation with other tech communities.
It is both Bitcoin's strongest armor and potentially its self-imposed wall.