Let’s get one thing straight: Crypto isn’t disappearing into the tech void. Love it, hate it or meme it into oblivion, digital currency is sticking around, and the U.S. is auditioning to become the crypto capital of the world.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the basics before you fall for a Reddit post titled “How I Made $2M Trading Crypto While Sleeping.” (Spoiler: He didn’t.)
You might be thinking about investing in crypto. But before you do, listen to me: The first three letters in crypto are cry. That’s what happens to a lot of people who dive in without knowing how it works.
So here’s your no-hype, no-jargon primer.
💡 Think of cryptocurrency like digital cash
Imagine handing your friend a $20 bill. No bank, no fees, no third-party apps. Just peer-to-peer. Crypto is digital money you can send directly to someone else, anywhere in the world, without needing a bank or payment processor.
Thousands of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have popped up, all built on the idea of giving people control of their money by cutting out the middlemen.
🔐 Wait, is this even safe?
Enter the “blockchain.” Don’t panic, this part’s actually simple.
Think of the blockchain like a public receipt book that can’t be erased or edited. Transactions are permanently recorded and verified by thousands of computers all over the world.
It’s permanent, transparent and nearly impossible to fake. It’s not unhackable (nothing is) but way more secure than your average password-protected app.
🐶 OK, but what’s the deal with memecoins?
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