Why do different social groups have vastly different perceptions of Bitcoin's value?

Hello, regarding this question, I'll try to share my thoughts with you in plain language.

This topic is actually quite interesting, much like how we view an antique or a painting – some consider it priceless, while others find it worthless. Bitcoin is similar; different people, from different perspectives, see completely different things.

The First Group: Tech Believers and Early Adopters - They see "Digital Gold"

These people usually have some technical understanding or encountered Bitcoin early on. In their eyes, Bitcoin's most impressive aspect lies in its design:

1. Fixed Supply: There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins, and once they're all mined, that's it. This is very similar to gold – it's scarce and won't be printed at will like fiat currency, thus having inflation-resistant potential. Your money might "shrink" due to central bank quantitative easing, but Bitcoin won't.
2. Decentralization: It's not managed by a "central bank" equivalent; instead, it runs on a global network of computers. This means no single country or organization can easily shut it down or freeze your assets. This feeling of "my property, my control" is very appealing to many.

For them, Bitcoin's value lies in offering a new, uncontrolled asset choice. They are betting that the future world will increasingly need these characteristics.

The Second Group: Investors and Speculators - They see a "High-Risk, High-Reward Casino Chip"

This group might not care much about decentralization or blockchain technology. They only see one thing: price volatility.

Bitcoin's price swings wildly; it might go up 20% today and drop 30% tomorrow. This massive volatility is a nightmare for those seeking stability but a paradise for speculators. They profit by buying low and selling high, capitalizing on price fluctuations.

For them, Bitcoin's value is solely in its "speculative" potential. Whether it's gold or can change the world isn't important; what matters is whether it can make them money right now.

The Third Group: The General Public and Critics - They see "Tulip Mania"

Most ordinary people, including many traditional financial experts, are skeptical or even dismissive of Bitcoin. Their reasons are quite valid:

1. No "Intrinsic Value": A company's stock is backed by its earning potential and assets. A house can be lived in or rented out. But Bitcoin? It doesn't generate any cash flow itself; you can't eat or drink it. Its price depends entirely on "how much the next person is willing to pay for it," which sounds a lot like a game of hot potato.
2. Too High Risk: Its extreme price volatility makes it difficult to use as an everyday payment tool. Imagine buying a cup of coffee for 0.0001 Bitcoin in the morning, only for that amount to be enough for half a cup by noon. How can you use that?
3. Plagued by Negative News: Many people associate Bitcoin with money laundering, illegal transactions, and massive energy consumption. These negative impressions make it hard for them to acknowledge its value.

In their view, Bitcoin is just a hyped-up virtual symbol with no solid foundation, liable to crash at any moment, much like the "Tulip Mania" of centuries past.

The Fourth Group: People in Specific Countries or Situations - They see a "Lifeline"

Many people might not fully grasp this point. If you live in a country where the local currency is rapidly depreciating (like Venezuela or Argentina) or where there are strict foreign exchange controls, Bitcoin might be your lifeline.

When your savings lose 90% of their value due to inflation within a year, converting your money into Bitcoin at least offers a possibility of preserving value. When you want to transfer assets abroad, but all legal channels are blocked, Bitcoin provides a path that, while risky, is viable.

For these people, Bitcoin's value isn't about speculation; it's a genuine "necessity." It's a tool used to counter unstable economic and political environments.

In Summary:

Why are opinions so divergent? Because Bitcoin is a "hybrid" that doesn't quite fit into any single category. It's like gold (scarce), like stocks (high-risk investment), like a payment technology, and even carries a touch of anarchistic idealism.

• Believers value its future and ideals.
• Speculators exploit its volatility.
• Critics question its foundation and reality.
• Those with special needs use its utility as a tool.

Everyone is measuring Bitcoin with their own yardstick, so it's no surprise that the results vary wildly. Its value, ultimately, is still built on "consensus" – that is, how many people believe in it and how much they are willing to invest. This consensus is currently very fragmented, so the vast differences in perceived value are not surprising.