Bitcoin Myths Debunked: Understanding the Value and Impact of BTC

Bitcoin has become an important topic in this year's election, attracting both fans and skeptics. Despite this, there continue to be misconceptions about the asset that can turn people off to learning more about it.

Bitcoin has become a hot topic in this year's election, attracting both fans and skeptics. Despite this, there continue to be misconceptions about the asset that can turn people off to learning more about it. These myths not only confuse newcomers, but also can linger among those who have followed Bitcoin for years. By addressing these myths head-on, we can foster a clearer understanding of what bitcoin is and what it isn’t, helping you make informed decisions about this evolving asset.

Bitcoin Is Not Only For Criminals

One of the most pervasive myths about Bitcoin is that it is a primary tool for criminals. This misconception likely stems from the fact that Bitcoin is censorship resistant, meaning its code cannot discriminate between transactions. While this can make it attractive for some illicit activity, the facts don't support the idea of rampant criminal use. It’s quite the opposite.

The latest Chainalysis 2024 report shows a decline in crypto assets received by illicit addresses, from $39.2 billion in 2022 to $24.4 billion in 2023. That total represents just 0.34% of total crypto transaction volume, down from 0.42% the previous year.

Results of detailed study of the illicit use of cryptocurrencies as a share of total transaction ... [+] volume.

Chainalysis also estimated Bitcoin’s specific share of total illicit cryptocurrency flow at less than 25%. Another report from Galaxy Research showed the Bitcoin network transferred $1.4 trillion in value in 2023. Using these figures, we can estimate that only 0.43% of Bitcoin's volume came from illicit activities.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Friday, September 20th

Google Chrome Says Goodbye To Passwords On Windows, Mac, Linux, Android

Here’s How Much Every Living Former President Earned After Leaving The White House

In comparison, fiat currencies dominate illicit financing. A 2023 report from Nasdaq, they estimated the global illicit fund flows at a staggering $3.1 trillion. estimated global illicit fund flows at $3.1 trillion. Bitcoin’s contribution to this total? Just 0.2%. This is remarkable given that Bitcoin recently surpassed the Japanese Yen to become the third largest currency in circulating supply.

Regarding black markets and the dark web, Bitcoin’s impact is similarly minimal. The size of the global black market is estimated at $2.25 to $2.5 trillion per year. If all of Bitcoin’s illicit use was in black markets, it would still only account for 0.27% of global black market activity.

How To Evaluate Bitcoin’s Real Value

Bitcoin is often criticized because it lacks so-called intrinsic value, unlike gold, fiat currencies, or labor. Critics argue that Bitcoin, being digital and intangible, doesn’t hold intrinsic value because it isn't backed by a physical commodity or government, and has no practical use outside of transactions.

The myth of intrinsic value; all value comes of properties of gold or bitcoin

The concept of intrinsic value refers to an object’s value inherently or for its own sake. In reality, Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value because intrinsic value is a fallacy—all value is subjective and determined by the market. Consider the example of water: while it's essential for life and in high demand, the price one is willing to pay depends on circumstances. A thirsty person in the desert will value it much more than someone already hydrated in a rainy region.

This lack of intrinsic value has been understood for a long time. In Gary North’s 1969 essay, “The Fallacy of Intrinsic Value,” he clearly states, “Value is not a metaphysically existing substance; an object is simply valued by someone who actively values it.” This quote emphasizes the subjective nature of value, which is central to understanding Bitcoin’s role in today’s economy.

Intrinsic value is sometimes stretched to include use value, as in gold’s case. For example, even if gold were not used as money, it still has uses in jewelry or dentistry. Proponents of intrinsic value claim that these industrial uses give gold an inherent worth beyond being a medium of exchange which Bitcoin lacks. However, this argument misses the bigger point: all utility comes from fundamental properties, gold’s other uses don’t make it a good money, its underlying properties make it a good money. Similarly, Bitcoin has real, finite properties that create value. It’s the only asset with a truly fixed supply, it's censorship-resistant, and it can be sent over communication channels.

While Bitcoin may not have the physical nature of gold or the government backing of fiat currencies, its value is derived from its unique properties that create reliable demand from its users just like every other asset.

Bitcoin’s Environmental Impact

Another common criticism of Bitcoin is its environmental impact, particularly due to the energy-