The Relationship Between Cryptocurrency Ownership and Dark Personality Traits

A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE has shed light on the association between owning cryptocurrency and certain personality traits. The study, titled ‘The political, psychological, and social correlates of cryptocurrency ownership’, surveyed 2,001 American adults to investigate the link between cryptocurrency ownership and various characteristics.

According to the findings, individuals who own or have owned cryptocurrency were more likely to exhibit traits associated with the “dark tetrad” personality traits. The dark tetrad comprises narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism. These traits are typically linked to disruptive behavior, criminal tendencies, and other antisocial tendencies.

In addition to dark personality traits, the study also revealed that cryptocurrency investors were more likely to be male, rely on fringe social media sources for information, believe in conspiracy theories, and perceive themselves as victims. The researchers noted that these characteristics, along with higher income and argumentativeness, were among the key predictors of cryptocurrency ownership.

One of the most significant findings from the study was the strong correlation between relying on fringe social media sources for news and owning cryptocurrency. This suggests that individuals who consume information from non-traditional or questionable sources are more inclined to invest in digital currencies.

While the researchers acknowledged the limitations of their study, including the reliance on self-reported data, they believe that these findings could pave the way for further research into the motivations behind cryptocurrency investments. Understanding the psychological and social factors that drive individuals to engage in cryptocurrency trading could provide valuable insights into the behavior of investors in the digital asset space.

As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, examining the characteristics of those involved in this market becomes increasingly relevant. The study offers a glimpse into the profile of cryptocurrency owners and highlights the potential implications of their personality traits on their investment decisions.

For more information on the study, you can access the full article in the journal PLOS ONE here.