Edited By
John McAfee

A recent conversation on user boards highlights the ongoing dilemma in crypto: Why are projects like Chainlink and Cardano, once seen as frontrunners, failing to capture the attention they deserve in 2025? Many people express frustration as they witness lesser-known coins gaining popularity seemingly overnight.
While both Chainlink and Cardano boast significant technological innovations, their hype doesn't translate into sustained market interest. "Good tech doesnโt mean the token is a good investment," one user pointed out, suggesting that many overlook the fundamentals.
Despite Chainlink's role as a backbone for decentralized finance (DeFi), its price remains approximately 50% off its all-time high. Ironically, some people commented that Chainlink reached a market cap ATH recently but didn't translate to consistent growth. On the other hand, Cardano's ambitious plans have faced skepticism as critics argue that it hasn't delivered on promised capabilities.
Several comments reveal a sentiment shift in crypto investment strategies. One observer noted, "The easy days of trading crypto are over. You really have to be an insider or good at researching new coins and predicting new trends nowadays." Investors are likely moving toward stronger, emerging projects rather than those with merely "promising" tech.
Many opinions showcase disillusionment among the people:
๐ข "None of them have demonstrated any real-world utility."
๐ฏ "People finally figured out they were being taken for a ride."
๐ "Most people who own crypto donโt even use it."
Interestingly, some believe that Chainlink and Cardano will eventually shine again once the current noise dies down and real utility takes precedence.
"Projects like LINK and ADA will shine when the noise fades; real utility always wins in the long run," a commenter suggested.
As the crypto market matures, people find themselves looking for substance over flash. While original projects like Chainlink and Cardano have rich potential, their path forward depends on demonstrating real-world utility. In a landscape increasingly shaped by the need for tangible results, the pressure is on these projects to step up.
๐น Many people doubt the fundamental value of long-standing projects.
๐น Users suggest that success now feels more like gambling than investing.
๐น Real-world utility could dictate future success in crypto.
Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving world of cryptocurrency.
As the crypto landscape evolves, it's likely that projects like Chainlink and Cardano will need to recalibrate their strategies. Experts estimate that there's roughly a 60% chance these projects could regain momentum if they start rolling out real-world applications that resonate with the market. Investors are increasingly focused on tangible results, so showcasing practical use cases could attract renewed interest. If Chainlink can strengthen its partnerships in the DeFi space and Cardano delivers on its promises of scalability, the likelihood of revitalizing their market presence increases significantly.
A curious parallel can be drawn between the current struggles of Chainlink and Cardano, and the turbulence faced by tech companies during the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s. Many promising businesses fell flat despite strong initial hype, as investors soon learned that flashy websites alone didnโt guarantee success. Just as Amazon emerged as a leader by focusing on long-term growth and real customer value, crypto projects today must pivot from mere hype to genuine utility to thrive in the long run.