“Orange-pill” guilt refers to the anguish you may feel if you don’t enlighten others about the realities of cryptocurrency trading. It alludes to both sides of the coin (pardon the pun): the guilt you might experience if you don’t explain the potential upside to people unfamiliar with crypto, and the guilt that arises if those you introduce to crypto lose money on this new asset class. When talking to people about crypto, be sure to clearly explain both the benefits and the risks, and allow them to decide for themselves whether to invest. This approach can reduce the fear or guilt you might feel if their investments do not perform well.
The term “orange-pill” is loosely inspired by the 1999 classic film “The Matrix,” in which the main character has to choose between two pills: blue and red. The latter opened his eyes to the reality of a world he was once oblivious to. Likewise, Bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts adopted the “orange pill “as a metaphor, taking inspiration from Bitcoin’s orange logo. To take the orange pill is to become aware of and believe in the new financial system and philosophies that Bitcoin represents, believing in the decentralized future Satoshi Nakamoto outlined in his 2008 Bitcoin whitepaper.
Orange-pill guilt is a feeling where a crypto enthusiast becomes fearful or even ashamed of introducing people to cryptocurrencies, due to present or anticipated negative impacts it might have on their audience. It can also be a crypto enthusiast’s regret for not informing people about crypto’s emerging positive role as an investment.
An example of the former is that a person might buy Bitcoin at $84,000 only to see it soon decline 10%. After losing money, the orange-pilled person might in turn blame you for their loss, therefore causing you to feel guilty or cause a strain in the relationship.
When educating others about Bitcoin, use facts — not fear or hype — to help them make informed decisions. Keep in mind that some people will choose not to invest, no matter how compelling the upside may seem. They may:
Everyone has different financial needs, and cryptocurrency is a highly volatile asset class that may not be ideal for certain individuals. For example, retirees are generally more worried about preserving their nest egg and, as such, might not be interested in highly volatile instruments. On the other hand, younger adults who have a larger appetite for risk might be a better audience.
Crypto changes fast. To be a proficient guide and to avoid feeding your audience with outdated information, keep updated with the latest information and relevant news sources. A good starting point is Investopedia’s roundup of the best crypto exchanges, which provides a regularly updated list of crypto exchanges that are still in operation, with an overview of their research amenities and other services. Books like “The Bitcoin Standard” and YouTube channels that focus on educational content can increase your crypto knowledge, allowing you to speak more confidently on it.
It is never a good idea to scare people into buying Bitcoin by warning them that traditional money will eventually become “obsolete.” Instead, tell them about the benefits of decentralized finance over the financial systems they are used to, in the eyes of fans of crypto. Remind them that investing or trading virtual assets requires patience and informed decision-making.
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies have become an important and recognized asset class, and, naturally, you would want to share that information with people who ask your advice. But remember: not everyone will be interested in Bitcoin, nor will they understand it right away. In spreading the word about cryptocurrencies, understand the financial situation of your audience, keep yourself updated with the latest crypto news, and do not use fear tactics to convince your audience to take the orange pill.
