What Happens When You Act Like a Bitcoin Expert Without Knowing Anything About the Topic?
So-called ‘experts’ have been in the news recently because of their uninformed opinions on Bitcoin and blockchain technology, showing us all just what can happen when you act like an expert without really knowing what you’re talking about!
It is not hard to find opinion pieces and papers written by ‘pundits’ who have no demonstrable experience in Bitcoin, its underlying tech, or its broader societal implications. In some cases, they even go so far as to make false and misleading statements just to make a point.
Sacrificing Credibility
These ‘experts’ are sacrificing their credibility and integrity in pursuit of fame and recognition. They gain the attention of the public with claims that are simply not true, and in some cases are even dangerous.
Put simply, confident ignorance of Bitcoin does not make you an expert. If anything, it makes you wildly irresponsible and unethical.
What to Do Instead
So, what should you do instead? Here are some tips on how to act responsibly and ethically when it comes to Bitcoin:
- Do your homework. Take the time to research and understand what the technology is, how it works, and its broader implications.
- Educate yourself. Get to know the major players in the ecosystem, their motivations, and the work they do.
- Listen to the experts. Reach out to those who have already established their credibility in the field. They are well-equipped to provide meaningful insights into the changing nature of the technology.
- Be skeptical. Don’t accept everything you hear without thinking critically. Use your own research and judgment to decide what is true and what is not.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is up to each of us to decide how to engage with Bitcoin and other related topics. But we must remember that to truly be an expert, we must first be knowledgeable. Confident ignorance of the topic may lead to some brief moments of fame, but it won’t last, and we will eventually sacrifice our credibility in the process.