A new study suggests that people who invest in cryptocurrency might be more likely to have certain personality traits often associated with “dark” behavior. Researchers from the University of Toronto and the University of Miami surveyed over 2,000 American adults, about 30% of whom said they owned or had owned cryptocurrency.
Dark Traits and Crypto Owners
The study found that crypto investors scored higher on traits like:
- Psychopathy: A lack of empathy and remorse, a tendency towards manipulation.
- Narcissism: An inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration.
- Machiavellianism: A focus on power and manipulation to achieve goals.
- Sadism: Taking pleasure in the suffering of others.
The study also found that crypto owners were more likely to:
- Believe conspiracy theories.
- Support extremist groups.
- Hold populist views.
What Makes Someone a Crypto Investor?
The study also identified some factors that seem to predict whether someone is a crypto investor, including:
- Being male.
- Having a victim mindset.
- Reading news from non-mainstream sources.
Important Considerations
It’s important to note that the study’s sample size was relatively small, and the researchers relied on participants’ self-reported personality traits. It’s also unclear if standardized tests were used to assess these traits.
This study raises interesting questions about the psychological profile of crypto investors, but it’s important to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation. More research is needed to understand the complex relationship between personality traits and cryptocurrency investment.
