Whoopsie daisy Bitcoin!

The Verge - Apr 7th, 2025
Open on The Verge

The global financial markets are in turmoil following the U.S. declaration of a global trade war, which has led to significant declines in both stock and cryptocurrency markets. Bitcoin, the most prominent cryptocurrency, has seen its value drop dramatically from over $100,000 in January to $78,800, after hitting a low of $74,000. This decline is not isolated to Bitcoin; the entire crypto market is experiencing a downturn. The expectation that Bitcoin would serve as a haven from governmental financial machinations has not materialized, particularly as casual investors who previously drove up its value are now selling off their holdings in light of economic uncertainties.

The situation underscores the volatility and speculative nature of Bitcoin, revealing its reliance on financial markets and fiat currencies rather than standing as an independent, government-free currency. Despite Bitcoin's initial promise as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems, it has become yet another asset class affected by global economic shifts. The sharp sell-off highlights Bitcoin's limited use case beyond speculative trading, as well as the challenges it faces in being a reliable store of value or medium of exchange in times of financial stress.

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RATING

3.4
Unfair Story
Approach with caution

The article presents a critical view of Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market, but its impact and credibility are undermined by factual inaccuracies and a lack of source attribution. While it addresses a timely topic of public interest, the narrative is imbalanced and lacks transparency, which affects its reliability. The informal tone may engage some readers, but the absence of credible information and balanced perspectives limits meaningful engagement and potential impact. For a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed, readers would benefit from consulting additional sources that provide accurate data and a range of viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

3
Accuracy

The article contains factual inaccuracies, particularly regarding Bitcoin prices. It claims that Bitcoin's price is $78,800, which is significantly higher than historical records. The all-time high for Bitcoin was around $68,000 in November 2021, not over $100,000 as stated. Additionally, the article suggests that Bitcoin's price fell from $90,000 last week, which is also incorrect. These errors undermine the story's factual accuracy and require correction. The claim that Bitcoin's main use is for crime lacks supporting evidence and is a common misconception that needs verification from credible sources.

4
Balance

The article presents a predominantly negative view of Bitcoin, focusing on its volatility and alleged primary use for speculation and crime. It lacks balance by not adequately representing the perspectives of Bitcoin advocates or the potential benefits and innovations associated with cryptocurrencies, such as decentralization and financial inclusion. The narrative is skewed towards highlighting Bitcoin's weaknesses without acknowledging its technological advancements or legitimate uses, suggesting a bias against cryptocurrencies.

5
Clarity

The article is written in a casual and somewhat sarcastic tone, which may affect the clarity and perceived seriousness of the content. While the language is generally straightforward, the use of informal expressions like 'Lol' and 'lmao' can detract from the professionalism expected in news reporting. The structure is somewhat disorganized, with a mix of factual claims and opinion, which may confuse readers about the article's intent.

2
Source quality

The article does not cite any sources to support its claims, which raises concerns about the credibility and reliability of the information presented. The lack of attribution to authoritative sources or experts in the field of cryptocurrency diminishes the story's trustworthiness. Without references to data or expert opinions, the article's assertions appear speculative and unsupported.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and fails to disclose the basis of its claims. There is no explanation of how the Bitcoin prices were obtained or any context provided for the assertions made about the cryptocurrency market. The absence of disclosed sources or methodologies makes it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the information, reducing transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2023/04/21/first-mover-americas-bitcoin-falls-to-28k
  2. https://www.investopedia.com/bitcoin-crypto-stocks-fall-as-tariff-fears-grip-markets-11710116
  3. https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-sentiment-falls-to-2023-low-but-risk-on-environment-may-emerge-to-spark-btc-price-rally
  4. https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/biggest-cryptocurrency-price-crashes-after-first-bitcoin-president-slaps-global-tariffs-here-is-what-has-gone-wrong/articleshow/120066943.cms
  5. https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/04/07/bitcoin-btc-price-in-sharp-decline-what-to-do/