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Study reveals how poverty drives youth to crypto investing

Young People Turn to Crypto | Desperate Measures Amidst Financial Strain

By

John Lee

Nov 30, 2025, 10:29 AM

Edited By

Emily Harper

3 minutes estimated to read

A young person looking at a smartphone displaying cryptocurrency charts, reflecting financial struggles and investment in digital assets
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A recent study reveals that many young people, especially those born in the 1990s, are diving into cryptocurrency as a last resort to achieve what seems increasingly unattainable: homeownership. With house prices skyrocketing, this demographic is seeking alternative investments in the face of financial instability.

Context of the Crisis

As the cost of living continues to rise, many feel trapped in a vicious cycle of endless renting and stagnant wages. This has led to a significant shift in investment habits among younger generations, who view crypto as a high-risk but potentially high-reward option for building wealth.

Comments reflect a mixture of disbelief and acceptance of the current situation, with one commenter stating, "Bro, I’m a millennial. I’m 40 years old and I had no chance."

Key Themes Emerging from Conversations

  1. Diminished Financial Hope

    • Many believe traditional financial success is out of reach for young people. "The problem is you grow up hearing that if you study hard, you’ll get a good job. Yeah nah, bro, houses are too expensive now."

  2. Crypto as a Gamble

    • Investing in crypto is seen less as a legitimate strategy and more as a gamble. Users emphasize that without money to spare, jumping into crypto feels like a forced bet.

  3. Generational Anger

    • There’s growing frustration towards older generations, often referred to as boomers, for failing to understand the struggles of the youth. "Boomers here have no idea that people under 25 have almost zero hope for a traditional financial future."

The Financial Landscape for Young People

The numbers speak for themselves. Renters with a net worth below $300,000 are reported to be the most likely to turn to crypto investments as they seek to bridge the gap caused by soaring housing costs. This marks a stark departure from saving and investing in traditional assets, reflecting a widespread sense of urgency and anxiety.

Key Insights

  • πŸ”₯ A significant number of young people feel "forced to gamble on crypto due to financial constraints.

  • πŸ” Many point out that traditional savings are no longer viable in the current climate of rising living costs and inflation.

  • πŸ’” "Everyone is essentially broke. Rising prices and stagnant wages are hurting us all."

The implications of this trend are far-reaching. As young people lean towards high-risk investments, how will it shape their future and the economy at large?

For those navigating this financial landscape, it’s clear that the choices are tough, but the stakes are incredibly high.

Looking Ahead to Economic Shifts

A significant shift in the investment landscape could occur as more young people turn to crypto to cope with financial strain. Experts estimate that by 2030, nearly 60% of millennials may engage in crypto investments, driven by desperation rather than informed strategy. This could lead to a volatile market, where quick gains could entice many but also risk devastating losses for those unprepared. As traditional pathways to wealthβ€”like homeownershipβ€”become nearly inaccessible, the likelihood of young investors betting on cryptocurrencies increases. The intersection of rising inflation and soaring living costs could further entrench this trend, leading to a younger generation marked not by economic stability but by gamble-like investment approaches.

Echoes of Yesteryears: The Roaring Twenties

Reflecting on the early 1900s, the Roaring Twenties emerged as a time of dramatic economic change, where American society experienced rapid shifts in investment practices and lifestyle. This chaotic yet thrilling boom of stock market speculation resembles today’s youth engaging in crypto. Just as many Americans deserted traditional savings for the allure of quick wealth in that era, today’s young investors plunge into crypto as a potential lifesaver amid rising rents and stagnant wages. The parallel highlights not just a change in investment, but a broader societal shift where financial security feels increasingly out of reach, pushing individuals toward increasingly risky behaviors in hopes of attaining what seems unattainable.