Research from the University of Toronto and the University of Miami in the United States points out that cryptocurrency holders are more likely to have personality traits related to "darkness" including narcissism and psychosis, and tend to obtain information through minority and fringe media, like to argue, and are distrustful of authority. Have a negative attitude.
Research on the psychological, political and social characteristics of people in the currency circle
The report, which explores the psychological, political and social characteristics of cryptocurrency holders, surveyed 2,001 U.S. adults, including 900 men and 1,101 women, with an average age of 48.
In addition to providing basic information (age, gender, income, education, religious beliefs), the test also reveals their political leanings (party, ideology), psychological characteristics (personality traits, cognitive factors), media Usage habits (watching news, social media, etc.), and their views on science, experts and authorities.
Cryptocurrency ownership is positively correlated with income and education
First of all, 30% of the respondents own cryptocurrency, and in terms of correlation between demographics and some characteristics, cryptocurrency holders are usually young and male.
At the same time, they were found to be generally associated with characteristics such as "higher education, higher income, and greater piety."
In addition, in terms of scientific attitudes and ways of thinking, they were also found to be "more likely to accept unfounded claims and believe in more conspiracy theories."
Political leaning is not obvious
In terms of political views, cryptocurrency holders show mixed political leanings, and are more likely to lean toward liberalism or the Democratic Party.
However, the researchers also cautioned that data on political leanings are less relevant and may not indicate that cryptocurrency holders have strong or consistent political leanings and connections.
Usually possesses "Dark Triangular Personality" characteristics
In terms of personality traits, people who own cryptocurrency are often strongly related to the characteristics of "The Dark Triad personality traits", including "narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychosis, sadistic tendencies", and also have " Traits such as confusion, paranoia, and schizotypal personality disorder:
These people focus more on goals related to success, status, and achievement, and less on helping others or common goals.
Additionally, they were more strongly associated with negative emotions than with positive emotions.
Frequently use fringe social platforms
Finally, people who hold cryptocurrency generally tend to obtain news about current events, public issues and politics through some alternative social media, including Telegram, Reddit, Podcast, Truth Social, and 8Kun.
Of course, cryptocurrency holders also get news from more mainstream social platforms, but the relevance is more intermediate, including Twitter (X), Instagram, YouTube, and, to a lesser extent, Facebook.
In contrast, people who own cryptocurrencies rarely get their information from traditional news media sources, which are the least relevant.
Research: It’s important to understand why
In the conclusion, the researcher stated that future research will focus on exploring the reasons and consequences behind the distrust and cynicism towards authorities in this field:
We are currently in an era where established authoritative institutions are challenged and questioned, whether it is political institutions or financial markets, which may have negative external effects; therefore, it is crucial to understand the root causes of the above phenomena.
This article Research report: People in the currency circle usually have dark personalities "narcissism, snobbery, and psychopathic tendencies" first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.
