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Nine years in crypto: why i gave up hope

Crypto's Disillusionment | Investor Reflects on Losses After Nine Years

By

Khalid Asif

Jan 21, 2026, 08:32 PM

Updated

Jan 22, 2026, 01:45 PM

2 minutes reading time

A person looking thoughtfully at a computer screen displaying cryptocurrency graphs and charts, symbolizing their experience and lessons learned in the crypto space.
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A veteran investor's harsh reflection on cryptocurrency has sparked renewed debate about the industry's direction. After almost a decade in digital assets, they express disappointment and skepticism, highlighting a wider disillusionment that resonates within the community following market turmoil and high-profile hacks.

From Early Enthusiasm to Frustration

Initially captivated by the promise of decentralized finance, this investor notes a stark reversal in sentiment: "Crypto has lost its charm." Their portfolio, once valued at $30,000, has decreased to under $10,000, igniting concerns about the sector's sustainability.

Devastating Impacts of Security Breaches

A $15,000 loss from a hack at Radiant Capital has intensified their doubts about security in the crypto landscape. They candidly stated, "Years of discipline and savings vanished in an instant due to poor security." As more hack incidents surface, these worries resonate strongly in the community.

Voices from the Community

Insights from people in forums further echo this investor's sentiments. Some express a loss of faith, with one commenting that the industry seems to have devolved into scams, asserting, "It was always a hoax." Yet, others highlight the potential for genuine blockchain projects, like Monero (XMR), which recently achieved an all-time high, showing that foundational ideals endure.

Themes Emerging from Discussions

  • Skepticism Towards Speculation: Many feel current trends prioritize profit over purpose, criticizing the rampant speculation as detrimental to cryptoโ€™s core mission.

  • Challenges in Tokenization: A significant comment pointed out the industry's oversight in properly convincing traditional asset owners to tokenize, indicating a lengthy education process ahead for the sector's growth.

  • Cautious Optimism for Future Applications: Despite current frustrations, there remains a belief that innovative projects could still emerge if the focus shifts back to creating real-world utility.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ” "Crypto is dominated by memecoins and scams," shared a user reflecting on the current state.

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Thereโ€™s a call for returning to fundamentals in blockchain technology and financial inclusion.

  • ๐ŸŒ The sentiment indicates a need for traditional institutions to engage with the blockchain space to drive real adoption.

Final Reflections

The investor decisively remarked, "I've learned when to take profits and walk away." As voices of uncertainty grow, many wonder: will the underlying technology reclaim its rightful place, or is the best already passed? Only time will reveal the true trajectory of crypto amid its current challenges.