Gen Z Turns to Cryptocurrency Amid Economic Discontent
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 10 2026- Reflection of Economic Discontent: Gen Z's growing interest in cryptocurrency reflects their confusion about the economic future, particularly in the face of rising living costs, prompting them to explore unconventional income sources to cope with financial challenges.
- Shift in Investment Behavior: Research by Alice Lassman indicates that Gen Z is gravitating towards asymmetric upside opportunities in sports betting and cryptocurrencies, which not only alters their investment strategies but may also influence market dynamics.
- Historical Parallels: This trend mirrors the responses of youth following the 2008 financial crisis, indicating that Gen Z is seeking higher-risk, higher-reward investment avenues in times of economic adversity, reflecting a distrust in traditional financial systems.
- Change in Risk Tolerance: Gen Z's preference for speculative assets signifies a fundamental shift in their risk tolerance, and while there are no direct on-chain data to support this, their behavior aligns with historical patterns of seeking alternative financial opportunities.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
