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Evaluating money: why bitcoin falls short compared to gold

Bitcoin vs. Gold | Evaluating Its Role as Money in 2025

By

Olivia Bennett

Jul 4, 2025, 07:38 PM

Edited By

Jessica Lin

Updated

Jul 5, 2025, 02:40 PM

2 minutes reading time

A visual comparison of a gold bar and a Bitcoin coin on a scale, highlighting the differences in value and stability.
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A heated debate continues regarding Bitcoin's effectiveness as money, especially when compared to gold and fiat currencies. With many expressing doubts about Bitcoin's reliability, new comments reveal deeper concerns about its practical application and functionality.

Rising Concerns About Bitcoin's Transaction Speed and Fees

Recent discussions have highlighted significant issues with Bitcoin's transaction capacity. One commentator pointed out, "Why doesn't Bitcoin satisfy those characteristics?" They note that Bitcoin can handle a maximum of seven transactions per second. This limitation, combined with its volatility, results in soaring fees, especially when demand increases.

Users are frustrated that lower fee transactions could languish for days without confirmation. One user remarked about the impracticality of purchasing everyday items, asking, "Do you really want to wait 10 minutes for coffee?" Potential double spending attacks also loom large for merchants accepting Bitcoin, raising serious doubts about its viability for quick transactions.

The Complicated Landscape of Bitcoin Usage

Many people note how Bitcoin's utility is far more complex than traditional forms of currency. One comment addressed its cumbersome nature, saying itโ€™s "extremely complicated to use" with no authority to offset fraud. With technological clumsiness highlighted, concerns grow about security, particularly for those unfamiliar with digital currencies.

Another commentator added, "The extremely high electricity demand per transaction raises ethical concerns and adds to costs." This practical drawback complicates Bitcoin's acceptance as a mainstream currency.

Limitations of Bitcoin vs. Traditional Money

Bitcoin's classification as a store of value is being increasingly challenged. One user succinctly stated, "Money is a token of debt" and indicated that Bitcoin does not effectively represent debt, questioning its capabilities to replace traditional forms of money.

Thereโ€™s a sentiment that good ideas should be adopted quickly in the market. Curiously, many businesses have yet to accept Bitcoin as payment widely. Some companies, like Tesla, once encouraged Bitcoin transactions but have since withdrawn, leaving people puzzled about its long-term appeal.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿ˜Š Many comments underscore doubts about Bitcoin's reliability for payments.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Users highlight concerns over high transaction fees and processing times affecting its practicality.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Commentary reflects a strong preference for established currencies, which offer more security and speed for daily transactions.

As Bitcoin grapples with these pressing issues, it faces a considerable uphill battle in establishing itself alongside gold and fiat currencies. Without improvements in transaction speed, reliability, and security, its future as a mainstream currency remains uncertain.