Is Bitcoin Still for Everyone? A Look at Culture, Clicks, and Compassion
Bitcoin started with a radical and hopeful vision: a peer-to-peer electronic cash system that would empower individuals to transact freely, without relying on centralized institutions. Its design was open and permissionless; anyone with an internet connection could participate. That inclusivity remains one of Bitcoin’s core strengths. Yet as the ecosystem has grown, the community’s tone has changed in ways that can sometimes make it feel less inviting.
Over the years, a noticeable number of Bitcoin advocates have publicly stated they no longer wish to “orange pill” newcomers. This phrase, a playful nod to awakening others to Bitcoin’s potential, once symbolized enthusiasm and outreach. Now, its decline reflects frustration and burnout. When members lose patience and compassion, the movement risks becoming insular, disconnected from the very people it aims to empower.
Adding to this challenge, a portion of Bitcoin-related social media has been overtaken by influencers more focused on likes, clicks, and controversy than on understanding or education. Rage-baiting, infighting, and performative content drive attention but rarely foster adoption. This online spectacle can overshadow thoughtful discussion and genuine learning. Combined with sexualized memes and exclusionary humor, these dynamics can make the space feel alienating, particularly to those encountering it for the first time.
Beyond individual behaviors, Bitcoin’s online culture can sometimes fall into echo-chamber territory.
Dissenting opinions or nuanced debates are dismissed too quickly, replaced by repetitive slogans or tribal signaling. This environment can stifle growth, understanding, and innovation, the exact opposite of the curiosity that built the network in the first place.
The good news is that the Bitcoin community can still course-correct.
The path forward doesn’t depend on algorithms or influencers; rather, it depends on individuals.
Deepen your own understanding. Study how Bitcoin actually works, from proof-of-work to decentralized consensus. Just as importantly, explore why it exists, how money evolved, how monetary systems have been manipulated, and why a trustless, neutral protocol matters. Education builds conviction and empathy.
Engage locally. Seek out Bitcoin meetups, circular economies, or communities experimenting with using Bitcoin in real life. Meeting people face-to-face humanizes the mission and reminds everyone that Bitcoin is about human freedom, not just digital speculation. If no such space exists around you, start one!
Model constructive dialogue. Listen to differing views. Encourage open, respectful discussion. Challenge misinformation calmly. Promote the positive aspects, financial sovereignty, transparency, and inclusion, rather than fueling division.
Bitcoin’s promise remains extraordinary. Whether it becomes truly welcoming again depends on whether its community chooses to embody the same openness and patience that fueled its creation.
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On Substack Deanna Heikkinen
About the Author
Deanna Heikkinen is an author, historian, and educator with over 15 years of experience in teaching. Holding a Doctorate in Education and Master’s degrees in both History and Anthropology, she brings deep academic insight and a love of storytelling to her exploration of world history, Western civilization, and the evolution of money. She co-authored, with her husband Joel, the 2004 book Shells to Satoshi: The Story of Money & The Rise of Bitcoin, which follows the development of money from ancient exchange systems to digital currency. Her 2025 book Ownschooling: Bitcoin, Sovereignty, and Educationencourages families to reimagine education, sovereignty, and financial literacy in an increasingly decentralized world. She is also developing a multi-level children’s book series that introduces the story of money, from cowrie shells to Bitcoin, to young readers.
As the founder of The Money Wisdom Project, a new nonprofit educational initiative, Deanna seeks to educate children and communities about the history of money and Bitcoin. The organization is working to create comprehensive curriculum packets on the history of money and Bitcoin to distribute free of charge to teachers, schools, communities, and Bitcoin circular economies. The project’s mission is to deepen financial and historical literacy while donating books on the history of money and Bitcoin to schools and public libraries worldwide, empowering learners of all ages to connect the lessons of history to today’s monetary systems.
