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Bitcoin: a simulation, not real money or payment

Bitcoin: Illusion of Value | Debates Heat Up Over Crypto's Role

By

Jasper Wang

May 26, 2025, 09:35 PM

Updated

May 29, 2025, 02:44 PM

2 minutes reading time

A digital representation of Bitcoin as a simulation, featuring a glowing Bitcoin symbol surrounded by abstract data patterns, illustrating its intangible nature.
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A rising coalition of critics is branding Bitcoin as a mere simulation instead of a legitimate payment system. Recent comments from forums illustrate growing skepticism around its value and sustainability, igniting further controversy within the cryptocurrency community.

The Illusion of Currency Revisited

Satoshi Nakamoto's established vision of Bitcoin as groundbreaking digital cash is under fire. Commenters argue about the substantial fallacy in its value proposition:

"It was never money. Itโ€™s being traded, yes. But itโ€™s not money."

One user provocatively questioned, "What needs to happen for Bitcoin to actually become money?" This brings into focus the systemic issues surrounding the fiat system, particularly regarding the USD's depreciationโ€”estimations suggest it has lost 30% of its value over the last five years.

Additionally, there's a growing sentiment regarding the mechanics behind Bitcoin mining. Notably, someone stated:

"The substance is energy. Human capital and resources are deployed to create energy, which is then effectively stored in Bitcoin via mining."

This perspective positions energy as a key component of Bitcoin's worth, suggesting a shift in how value is perceived in the crypto realm.

Energy Consumption Under Scrutiny

The environmental impact of Bitcoin is causing alarm, as its power consumption frequently equals that of entire nations. Critics emphasize the waste in managing data with such high energy use, branding it a "failed simulation."

Many commenters assert that this excessive energy expenditure undermines any claim to real-world utility. For instance, one stated, "If it involves fraud, deception, and human rights violations, many see those as reasons to oppose crypto."

The Speculative Nature of Bitcoin

A net of skepticism pervades the discourse, indicating Bitcoin has transformed into a speculative asset rather than the digital cash originally envisioned. One user articulated, "Itโ€™s all a speculative bubble," reflecting a broader discontent about Bitcoin's legitimacy and stability. Amid persistent transaction fluctuations, another comment succinctly stated:

"If people are willing to exchange Bitcoin as currency, then it is currency."

Yet, this prompts a crucial question: is it viable as a stable medium of exchange in the long term?

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Critics highlight Bitcoin's lack of substantive value, igniting widespread debate.

  • ๐ŸŒฑ Environmental concerns about Bitcoin's high energy consumption continue to rise.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ The narrative that Bitcoin has shifted to become a speculative asset is growing.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Some argue that energy and human resources are the core value drivers for Bitcoin mining.

The current mood surrounding Bitcoin appears increasingly negative as various forum voices challenge its standing in the financial ecosystem. As these discussions evolve, will Bitcoin evolve or face a looming crisis?