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"When you take a macro view of the entire human race, you'll find that individuals who live in isolation in tribes or societies often die faster. Early in human history, we learned that survival required relying on a strong collective. Typically, those who are most united and loyal tend to gain support from other groups.
The ""HODL"" mentality is the key
In platforms like Telegram (TG) or Discord, most people operate for their self-interest, preventing them from forming a collective. Risk-investing tokens are even more so; these individuals usually operate for self-gain. They are like lone wolves, not herd animals. KOL Zoomer Oracle calls it the ""Shark Mindset.""
The difference between such a community and cult-like fervor for tokens or NFTs is that the community isn't concerned with short-term gains. Once members transition to a ""cult,"" the social processes on social media convert them into true believers. That's when the ""cult"" starts to thrive. There's extensive research on cults themselves. Memes play a profound role, much like magic. It's a fringe belief system developed or executed by a leader, and, in public perception, those who join the ""cult"" are ""brainwashed.""
When analyzing this phenomenon in cryptocurrency, whether this research holds true isn't particularly relevant. What's happening is that an unusual mindset acts in unison because they haven't been accepted in the ""mainstream.""
Link Marines is a significant example; in 2017, browsing 4chan, people hadn't seen so many memes about Sergey and McDonald. It's evident that Chainlink's rise began with a cult-like fervor, not technology (its mainnet wasn't launched until 2019). Another example is Cardano, HEX, and BAYC. The current cryptocurrency industry isn't thriving, but their token/NFT prices outperform most ""innovative"" and ""fundamental"" tech tokens. Why is this happening?
""Cults"" are the most powerful groups in the cryptocurrency space. This means they won't sell their native assets because they believe they belong to this group. As cryptocurrencies become more unpredictable, they strengthen their belief in their tokens. This creates an effect where a group of people strongly holds their affiliated assets. No one wants to let go. This is their safe space where they can post and make friends. Due to the solid group connection, there are almost no ""traitors"" to destroy their cult.
Hope is one of the most potent emotions humans can have. If you can measure ""hope and belief"" like cult tokens do, I'm pretty sure it will outperform other tokens with ""good technology."" This leads to depletion in supply. As the cult grows due to high conversion rates, ""Shark Mindset"" people occasionally realize how big this group is. Smart people often take advantage when they notice this phenomenon. Most cryptocurrency worships will reflect massive bubbles. Only a few won't go bankrupt, but most will.
When identifying these cults, you'll often see that the group mostly doesn't give negative feedback on short-term prices. They discuss ideas to enhance the cult and make it better, often with a strong vision at the core. Of course, price is essential to them, but in the long run, the ""HODL"" mentality is king.
How to identify projects with potential cult communities
A sign of ""cult-like"" projects is a consistent theme that permeates every aspect of the project. At its most basic level, consistency is a sign that developers care. At a broader level, it allows participants to immerse themselves better in the project's ""role.""
However, it's worth noting that as a project attracts a broader mainstream audience, the value of the theme may diminish over time. Thus, starting with a niche theme, attracting dedicated core audiences, while retaining the project's uniqueness, is essential. That's why ""Copypasta"" projects perform poorly in terms of price. Visual fatigue and an insincere atmosphere make it seem like quick cash grabs, repelling potential enthusiasts.
A project should have a coherent and unique theme, but it must ultimately resonate with a more extensive audience. Many art NFTs are a great example, preserving their uniqueness but failing to expand their influence due to the powerful influence of the author.
In contrast, many venture-backed projects often exhibit a corporate style lacking soul. A lack of authenticity and personality can hinder the formation of loyal followers, limiting the potential for exponential growth in attention.
In summary, to find a potential ""cult"" project, look for a consistent, unique theme that resonates with a broad audience. I hope this article provides insight to help you discover your gem." |
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