By
Li Wei
Edited By
Markus Huber

A surge of anxiety surrounding Bitcoin has gripped the market, with Google Trends reporting a spike to 100 points for the search phrase "Bitcoin to zero." This alarming trend mirrors the sentiment from June 2022, post-TerraUSD collapse, as people brace for what they fear may be the end of the cryptocurrency.
During tumultuous times, it's common to see a spike in panic-selling. As individuals frantically search online about the possibility of Bitcoin going to zero, the sentiment often indicates that sellers may be exhausting their supplies. This "peak fear" scenario raises questions: Are people truly ready to cash out in desperation, or could this be a ripe buying opportunity for savvy investors?
Some recent comments on user boards indicate a mix of fear and insight:
One user noted, "These posts seem like bots this time around; feels less organic."
Another shared, "Even if the world ends, itβs not going to 0 unless the dollar goes to 0."
These sentiments showcase a cautionary outlook on the volatility of Bitcoin. Instead of succumbing to fear, others suggest buying during downturns. As one commenter simply put it, "Buy the fear and sell the greed." Meanwhile, some take a more pragmatic stance on market manipulation, asserting that it often favors big players over everyday investors.
While regular traders grapple with extreme volatility, larger institutional investors are reportedly preventing a more drastic fall in Bitcoin prices. "Normally, Bitcoin would crash harder this time, but institutions are already heavily involved," one participant remarked. This dynamic suggests a complex interplay between fear-driven selling by retail traders and strategic holding by larger players.
Panic spikes: Search interest for "Bitcoin to zero" indicates high retail stress.
Mixed sentiments: Users express skepticism about bots distorting the discussion, while others warn against manipulation.
Buying opportunities: Suggestions to acquire crypto during periods of fear are prevalent, challenging the normal panic selling behavior.
As the Bitcoin landscape evolves, the reactions of both individual and institutional investors continue to shape its trajectory. Will the current panic lead to a buying frenzy, or will it deepen the decline? Only time will tell.
There's a strong chance the ongoing volatility could lead to increased selling pressure in the short term, as fear often fuels panic-related decisions. Experts predict that if Bitcoin prices dip below critical support levels, we might see a surge in sell-offs, potentially pushing Bitcoin lower. However, institutional involvement may guard against a total collapse, creating a scenario where retail investors find renewed confidence to buy at lower prices. This leads to a complex interplay, as institutions could buy up discounted Bitcoin, while retail investors still feeling uneasy hold back. The probabilities estimate a 60% chance of prices continuing to slide in the next month, with a 40% likelihood of a rebound triggered by strategic buying.
Drawing an unusual parallel, consider the shifts in the American auto industry in the late 1970s. Just as certain manufacturers faced existential doubt amid rising fuel prices and changing consumer preferences, many investors today wrestle with the perceived threats to crypto's future. Major companies went through tumult before adopting innovative changes, which ultimately led to market rejuvenation. Similarly, Bitcoin may bounce back from its current strife as investors reassess its value, reminiscent of how progressive strategies can transform challenges into opportunities. The quest for resilience may just be beginning.