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Bear market mentality: shilling and influence in 2025

Bear Market Mentality | Shilling Amidst Crypto Downturn

By

Hannah Lee

Nov 21, 2025, 08:39 PM

2 minutes reading time

An influencer promoting financial products during a bear market, showcasing charts and money symbols.
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A faction within the crypto community expresses frustration as influential figures ramp up shilling strategies during the current bear market. Recent discussions highlight the growing skepticism among people about motivations behind podcasts and promotional tactics as prices fluctuate dramatically.

The Shilling Core

Max Kaiser, a notable figure in the crypto space, is back in the spotlight. His return to the podcast scene has sparked notable chatter. As one commenter put it, "Iโ€™d literally take a second mortgage" if it meant cashing in on higher prices. Yet, skeptics question his dedication, suggesting,

"I haven't heard from Max for a long time. He used to gift his guests USB Sticks with 1,000 BTC on them"

Discussions confirm that many in the community see his podcast appearances as a simple cash grab, with some even joking about his $50k fee.

Market Sentiment Shifts

The sentiment among many appears mixed. A commenter noted,

"After a while, you go numb and go like heck it crashed again."

This reflects a broader emotional fatigue as new price lows emerge. Yet, others maintain optimism, sharing success from shorting and anticipating positive market movements. Comments paint a vivid picture:

  • "If BTC goes to 30K, Iโ€™ll get a loan and buy more."

  • "They are gonna bump it this weekend when all the retail retirement accounts canโ€™t buy back."

This indicates a split mindset: some are ready to invest further, while others remain cautious, stating, "Youโ€™ll sell all your BTC when it dips to 16K after reaching 30K."

A Landscape in Flux

Crypto holders are clearly feeling the strain. For instance, long-term investors are growing weary, with one declaring, "Haven't sold anything in the last 7 years." Theyโ€™re witnessing a stark contrast from when they first invested, igniting heated debates about strategy and market viability.

Key Insights

  • โšก Shilling appears rampant as influencers profit off podcasts during downturns.

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Emotional fatigue grows amid ongoing volatility in crypto markets.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Optimism remains among some, suggesting future price increases despite fears of crashing.

The ongoing bear market raises questions. As tensions heighten, how long will this mental cycle persist? With diverging views across the community, the conversation around crypto remains heated and divisive.

What Lies Ahead for Investors?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see further volatility in the crypto market. As influencer tactics become more prominent, the skepticism among people could lead to a decrease in engagement and trust. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that Bitcoin might hover around $30K before facing significant selling pressure. This could trigger further panic and emotional fatigue, resulting in a possible dip below $16K for those who invested heavily at higher prices. If the market shifts, those with a long-term strategy could capitalize on the buying opportunities, especially if prices stabilize, attracting more investors back into the fold.

A Historical Echo in Investment Struggles

The current state of crypto can be likened to the late 1970s oil crisis when people rushed to invest in oil stocks, driven by fear and uncertainty. Companies touted high dividends, similar to todayโ€™s influencer podcasts promising quick gains. As volatility led to a significant market crash, many investors faced bitter losses despite initial excitement, only to emerge years later with more resilient investment strategies. The emotional rollercoaster of both eras reveals how investor sentiment can shift under pressure, showing that downturns can refine future approaches to investing.