What are some common "ailments" among crypto investors? How many of these have you fallen prey to?

There is a “symptom checklist” circulating among cryptocurrency investors, which is satirical yet truthfully reflects the unique ecosystem of this circle. If you’ve been in this world for a long time, you might be surprised to find that you have developed several symptoms.

Drastic Changes in Psychology and Consumption Habits

First, you’ll find your view of money completely turned upside down. Even if in real life you wouldn’t spend hundreds of dollars on daily necessities, in crypto trading you can effortlessly shell out thousands of dollars. At the same time, your focus of life begins to shift—you check those fluctuating K-line charts on your phone first thing every day, and hobbies like basketball, shopping, and travel that you once loved gradually fade into the background.

This transformation is also reflected in your “currency mindset.” When discussing amounts with friends around you, they talk about local currency units, but in your mind, you’ve automatically converted everything into USD. Sometimes, even in your dreams, you dream of those terrifying red candles, waking up in cold sweat.

Bizarre Transformation of Social Circles

Second, your social world splits into two parallel universes. Your real-life circle of friends is getting smaller, but the “close comrades” in the crypto circle keeps increasing. The most ironic thing is, borrowing a few hundred bucks from real-life friends takes ages to discuss, but as soon as a crypto friend mentions “I need a few thousand dollars,” you immediately rush out to help.

This circle also has a special atmosphere—everyone is describing dreams of wealth worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. People in the group discuss luxury houses and luxury cars as if everyone is already a “millionaire.” Even if your account only has a few thousand or ten thousand dollars, in this environment, you can feel a sense of imminent expectation, as if wealth is just within reach.

Unresistible Group Illusion

Finally, and most honestly—although this circle is a mix of fish and dragons, with all kinds of human flaws laid bare, you just can’t stop. Hypocrisy, greed, selfishness, snobbery, vanity, deception, indifference… all the dark sides of human nature are condensed here. However, it is precisely this “truth” that makes this community extraordinarily attractive. You can’t give up this circle because here, everyone takes off their masks and shows their most authentic selves—both repulsive and fascinating.