Emotional Arguments

[Local]

Fear vs. greed.

Anyone else notice that it seems to be a lot easier to make a convincing argument for Bitcoin now that BTC/USD is zooming, versus several weeks ago?

Same argument ... but getting a lot better reception. 

That's why I think speculation and a price bubble will be 'good' for bitcoin in that it will bring it a lot of publicity.  That should bring in people who will start trying to earn bitcoins, buy with bitcoins, etc. etc.

I think a big bubble would be bad for getting wide adoption as quickly as possible. Increased variance is an actual cost, and it is exaggerated in a lot of people's minds. Once it exceeds a certain threshold they write it off as gambling. I'm not saying that is correct thinking, but it's a really common psychology.

[1714979858]

1714979858

[Bimmerhead]

I think a big bubble would be bad for getting wide adoption as quickly as possible. Increased variance is an actual cost, and it is exaggerated in a lot of people's minds. Once it exceeds a certain threshold they write it off as gambling. I'm not saying that is correct thinking, but it's a really common psychology.

They may consider it gambling, but if the real estate bubble and the tech bubble demonstrate anything, it is that the population has a propensity to participate in speculation.  I think it'll engage them.

[gene]

Bitcoin gives users control.

Control to:
trade/speculate freely, (semi|pseudo)anonymously
protect themselves against enormously powerful interests
work and live within a decentralized framework of commerce
... much more

Also, control to:
instantly lose all their bitcoin savings

There remain real limitations.

Control frightens many people; any powerful tool can be both liberating and dangerous. Firearms and speech are good examples. In fact, most currently prefer for someone else to be in control. Such people will defend centralized systems of control, despite the fact that those systems often work against the interests of normal people. The discussion cannot be rational, at least until people start becoming more comfortable with control (and responsibility) and start rejecting the standard scare tactics as outlined by the OP. This takes time and ongoing commitment (difficult, never-ending work) against strong opposition and concerted efforts in propaganda which amount to brainwashing.

[PonyBoy]

There is a time when Iam thinking about something like that if you're child - you are usually won't to be a hurry your life, but always need to think about future events in your life.

[daarul50]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

Do you know why they think that way about bitcoin? Something they think they may not feel, they may be affected by the negative news circulating about bitcoin. We do not know the real reason for their statements. We do not have to think about it anymore because it might also make you disturbed and affected. As long as we are confident with what we do then do and be patient, do not be greedy and do not listen to people who basically already hate bitcoin.

[gabmen]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

Do you know why they think that way about bitcoin? Something they think they may not feel, they may be affected by the negative news circulating about bitcoin. We do not know the real reason for their statements. We do not have to think about it anymore because it might also make you disturbed and affected. As long as we are confident with what we do then do and be patient, do not be greedy and do not listen to people who basically already hate bitcoin.

And most likely they haven't had first hand encounter with crypto and btc. Many people are like that. Even before you try to explain how things work in crypto, they seem to be closed to the idea. It's easier to understand fraud, scam, hacking, bubble and all negative notions about btc than to understand blockchain and how it can affect them in a positive way.

[Gaff]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

Do you know why they think that way about bitcoin? Something they think they may not feel, they may be affected by the negative news circulating about bitcoin. We do not know the real reason for their statements. We do not have to think about it anymore because it might also make you disturbed and affected. As long as we are confident with what we do then do and be patient, do not be greedy and do not listen to people who basically already hate bitcoin.

And most likely they haven't had first hand encounter with crypto and btc. Many people are like that. Even before you try to explain how things work in crypto, they seem to be closed to the idea. It's easier to understand fraud, scam, hacking, bubble and all negative notions about btc than to understand blockchain and how it can affect them in a positive way.

Preparing ones emotion upon engaging cryptocurrency is a must. Emotions are the center of our lives, and it is built around our life. Each of us have the ability to express our emotion and feeling, but the response we make can have a big difference. Emotional struggles are real, it's hard to handle them and sometimes it's uncontrollable. In times of having emotional meltdown, the best things to do would be to relax, take time to breathe deeply, talk to someone you confide, and be brave to face this challenge. Be optimistic.

[jcumins]

Bitcoin is a very complex system that is not so easy to understand.Not all turns out it is really easy to understand and earn

[Rrtt]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

I agree that it is not easy to let people understand when we introduce bitcoin to them. People argue becs. They are only protecting there money and afraid to lose it. They ask more questions in order to understand better. I also dicuss btc to many people and i don't argue with them i let them see my earnings.

[vazarii]

You can not convince everyone to invest in bitcoins, different people have their own ways of thinking. Just share your experience and let them decide on their own.

[martaga]

Most of the things they say about bitcoins are baseless. they are just hiding their fears with these stupid reasons. Everyone will not be courageous enough to try these risky investments.

[Xester]

Emotional Arguments were not coming from the bitcoin enthusiasts but rather to people who have experienced huge losses or holders or developers of other altcoins. Those who lost huge amount of profit because of bitcoins fluctuations and their wrong decisions are blaming bitcoin for their mistakes. Also those who are promoting their altcoins wanted to replace bitcoin and thus creating fake news and FUD so that they can sell their altcoin.

[Serious475]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

If I am in your place, just ignore their comments about their Bitcoin. You already did your job to spread the news about Bitcoin to other people. It is in their hands and minds if they want to invest and have an interest in Bitcoin. Just ignore those comments. One day they will see that the things that you are saying to them are real. Stay strong and stay positive.

[paulmaritz]

The Bitcoin community is doing a good job of selling Bitcoin using rational arguments.

Unfortunately, I don't believe rational arguments are going to convince non-technophiles and non-libertarians (the majority of the population).

My experience so far: When I try to explain the benefits of Bitcoin to friends and relatives, in the majority of cases I get a strong negative emotional response.  

This response is almost automatic, knee-jerk like.  There seems to be something at the very core of Bitcoin that bothers "normal" people, something irrational (when I ask them to be specific about their objections, they become irritated or change the subject).

When I try a rational response, it doesn't work. Even if the rational part of their brain agrees with me.  

I think we need some snappy emotional counter-arguments that we can throw at people pre-emptively.  

So here are some emotional objections I've heard:

* Scam!
* Ponzi scheme!
* Name calling. (You are an idiot for falling for something like this! ; Another one of your harebrained Utopian ideas! ; You are clueless because you are no banker!)
* Proof of work is a waste of energy!
* If there is no guarantee, it must be worthless!
* If I can't touch it with my hands, it must be worthless!
* Economic inequality is unfair! Everybody should be issued an equal amount of BTC!
* OMG Deflation! Bad!
* No regulation against speculators? I lost half of my pension because of those bastards!
* Nobody in charge? That's anarchy! Nothing ever succeeds without a strong leader!
* Money Laundering! Kiddie Porn! Gambling! Drugs! Terrorism!
* I hate tax evaders!
* Capitalism/money is evil!

Yup, it can be tough to convince them. I normally point to the uses cases, not only of Bitcoin, but cryptos in general. E.g. if someone likes racing, I would point them to CryptoCarz and so forth.