Edited By
Elena Ivanova

A fierce debate is brewing in the crypto community as meme coins continue to outperform utility projects in the current market cycle. This trend raises questions about the value of real-world applications versus the allure of flashy internet memes, leaving many industry insiders puzzled.
Despite ongoing promises that utility will dominate, meme coins are surging in popularity. While projects featuring real applications such as DePIN networks and RWA apps struggle, meme tokens like PEPE ASCENCION are raking in millions.
Users are left scratching their heads. One commenter bluntly stated, "The reality is that utility has never won." The underlying sentiment hints at frustration as many utility-driven projects seem to falter against viral sensations.
Three main themes emerge from discussions around this topic:
Attention Liquidity: Many agree attention is a significant factor. Meme coins attract users faster, capturing liquidity that could alternatively support legitimate projects.
Narrative Dynamics: Timing and buzz appear crucial. "Welcome to crypto where hopes to get rich beats brain," one user remarked, poking fun at the speculative nature driving investments.
Expectations vs. Reality: Discussions reveal skepticism surrounding the practicality of many utility tokens. โMost 'Utility' tokens arenโt being used by anyone,โ claimed another, emphasizing the gap between expectation and reality.
Commenters shared their thoughts:
โOnce a company has revenue, you can gauge how much itโs worth,โ remarked a user noting that imagination often runs wild with meme-based tokens.
Reflecting on the current market, many users perceive a stark difference in valuation methods. An anonymous insider pointed out how projects with little revenue still attract high valuations due to potential rather than proven results.
๐ก Attention favors memes, overshadowing utility projects.
๐ญ Viral trends attract liquidity, but legitimate applications struggle.
๐ Many utility tokens lack real usage, leading to skepticism.
A growing number of community members question the sustainability of investing in meme coins versus meaningful utility projects. Some believe that until productivity in crypto earns the attention it deserves, flamboyant memes will continue to dominate the headlines.
As meme coins continue to steal the limelight, there's a strong chance that this trend will persist at least through 2026. Some experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that meme-based tokens will maintain their popularity, fueled by social media buzz and investor sentiment. Meanwhile, utility-driven projects may struggle to capture attention unless they can offer clear, tangible benefits to users. If these projects don't find ways to engage the community effectively, they might face further hurdles. It's essential for them to rethink their marketing strategies and find innovative solutions to stand out, as the crypto market remains volatile and heavily influenced by short-term trends.
Looking back, the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s offers an interesting parallel. At that time, companies with flashy websites and promising ideas enthralled investors, even if their business models were shaky. Just as meme coins thrive on hype, many internet ventures rose to prominence based on little more than speculation. Eventually, the dot-com crash reminded investors of the importance of genuine value; some say today's scenario echoes this, suggesting that like the bubbly tech stocks of yore, the current meme coin fervor may also lead to a reckoning where practicality prevails over mere excitement.