Reasons Behind Gen Z’s Perception of Bitcoin Volatility as Acceptable Risk

Instead of viewing Bitcoin’s fluctuations as a risk, the younger generation considers them a quick route to financial advancement. Research indicates that Gen Z favors cryptocurrencies over conventional retirement plans because they offer more transparency and greater control. Jeff Park from Bitwise Asset Management noted that the appeal of Bitcoin’s volatility is a significant draw for this demographic. During a podcast, he mentioned that the significant price changes in the market are viewed not as risks, but as opportunities. For a generation accustomed to technology and quick access to information, sudden market shifts are not intimidating; instead, they provide an adrenaline rush. This “volatility” is what attracts young people to Bitcoin. @dgt229 shared a link to a picture on Twitter: pic.twitter.com/P22025kyJkbntG. — Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable (@RoundtableSpace) on April 12, 2025. Moreover, Park mentioned that younger people are more likely to take risks as they perceive the possibility of quicker rewards. To put it differently, volatility should not be seen as an obstacle; rather, it is viewed as an asset to expedite the process of accumulating wealth. This is not just baseless conjecture. A survey conducted by Gemini and published on January 25, 2025, revealed that over 51% of the global Generation Z has had ownership of cryptocurrency. In the United States, 33% of individuals are willing to invest at least 44% of their portfolio in this digital asset. This trend highlights why Generation Z is opting for cryptocurrency instead of traditional retirement accounts.