On April 14, 4chan experienced a significant hacking incident that resulted in the leaking of vast troves of user and moderator data. Many speculated that this notorious imageboard had reached its end. Yet, less than two weeks later, 4chan made its comeback, reinforcing its resilience with a bold declaration: “4chan is back.” In its official blog post, the site emphasized its irreplaceability, stating, “No other website can replace it, or this community. No matter how hard it is, we are not giving up.”
4chan’s impact extends well beyond its controversial reputation; it has been the genesis of countless memes, political movements, and, notably, has shaped various facets of the cryptocurrency landscape.
Exploring the Influence of 4chan on Cryptocurrencies
The /Biz/ imageboard on 4chan serves as the primary hub for crypto discussions, where traders, analysts, and enthusiasts converge to share insider information, promote new tokens, and analyze market trends. This platform has garnered a reputation for being a treasure trove for discerning investors seeking to uncover hidden gem altcoins long before they hit mainstream attention.
Despite increasing competition from platforms like X and Telegram, 4chan has consistently been at the forefront of various shilling campaigns that have propelled numerous tokens to unprecedented heights. Beyond sharing tips and tricks, /Biz/ users frequently engage in the sharing of prophecies and market predictions, with varying degrees of success.
For instance, in January 2019, a user made an accurate prediction that Bitcoin would reach $5,300 by April and $9,200 by July, although subsequent predictions turned out to be overly ambitious.
Moreover, /Biz/ played a pivotal role in propagating a false rumor in June 2017, claiming that Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin had died in a car crash. This fabricated news sparked significant market volatility, resulting in a $4 billion drop in Ether’s market capitalization before the rumors were debunked.
The Rise of Chainlink and the LINK Marines
Chainlink is perhaps one of the most notable success stories emerging from 4chan’s /Biz/. Its shilling campaign, largely fueled by a passionate community known as the LINK Marines, propelled its price from around $1.80 at the start of 2020 to highs of $16.64 by August 12.
A pivotal figure in this movement was a mysterious user dubbed “AssBlaster,” who claimed insider knowledge about Chainlink’s potential. The fervor that surrounded the LINK Marines’ efforts culminated in Chainlink’s remarkable price surge, highlighting how grassroots movements can significantly impact market dynamics.
Memes and Market Trends
Memes that originated from 4chan, particularly Pepe the Frog, have permeated the crypto sphere. Initially created by artist Matt Furie, Pepe was co-opted by 4chan, gaining notoriety before its association with the far-right. In the cryptocurrency community, however, Pepe has become intertwined with Chainlink, further anchoring its relevance in market discussions and promotions.
The recent launch of the meme-inspired token PEPE, which saw explosive growth, demonstrates how 4chan’s influence persists in the crypto market. Similarly, other 4chan-themed memecoins have emerged, contributing to a $37 billion market cap attributed to 4chan-inspired tokens as of May.
Moreover, phrases like “we’re all gonna make it” (WAGMI), popularized on 4chan, have further embedded themselves into crypto culture, showcasing the platform’s ability to shape community vernacular.
As it stands, despite the rise of competing platforms, 4chan remains a pivotal cultural force in the cryptocurrency realm. With its recent resurgence, it appears poised to continue influencing the crypto landscape in myriad ways. The dedication of its community drives not only the memes and trends but also the investment strategies and speculative behaviors that shape market dynamics.
In summary, 4chan’s resurrection signals its ongoing role as an influential entity within the cryptocurrency sphere, bridging the gap between internet culture and market movements.
