Study Finds Crypto Owners More Likely to Exhibit Dark Personality Traits

Recent research conducted by scientists from the University of Toronto and the University of Miami reveals that cryptocurrency owners are more prone to exhibiting 'dark tetrad' traits compared to the average individual.

Dark Traits Among Crypto Owners

Published on July 3, the study included a survey of 2001 American adults in 2022. About 30% of respondents owned cryptocurrency. This group was more likely to believe in conspiracy theories and displayed traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism.

Mindset of Bitcoin Holders

The study went largely unnoticed until Johns Hopkins Economics Professor Steve Hanke shared it online. He stated that cryptocurrency holders display lower levels of analytical and scientific thinking and are more likely to exhibit psychopathy. Similar findings were made by scientists at Queensland University of Technology in 2022.

Social and Economic Characteristics of Crypto Owners

Other personality traits identified among Bitcoin holders include a ‘need for chaos,’ dogmatism, victimhood mentality, and psychological reactance. They also value goals related to independent success and achievement rather than communal goals directed at helping others. However, crypto owners were found to be more educated, have higher incomes, and are more religious than those who have never owned cryptocurrency.

The study adds a new layer of understanding to the psychological and social traits of cryptocurrency owners. While negative traits such as a belief in conspiracy theories and psychopathy were identified, positive aspects were also noted, including higher levels of education and income.