Where does crypto get its value from?

At first glance, the value proposition of cryptocurrency may appear elusive. Cryptocurrencies aren’t tangible, nor do they have the backing of banks and governments. 

So what gives cryptocurrencies their value?

High user trust.

The trust that users place in cryptocurrencies emerges from a carefully constructed amalgamation of innovative technologies, intricate algorithms, and revolutionary concepts.

This article explores user trust in greater detail, and outlines some of the technical foundations of the trust that users place in cryptocurrencies, which helps to give it value.

The concept of user trust

Cryptocurrencies, just like fiat currencies, derive their value from user trust.

Trust in the US Dollar, for example, stems from the credibility of the United States government, its economic stability, and the widespread acceptance of USD for global trade.

Trust in cryptocurrency, on the other hand, is based on its underlying technology: the blockchain.

In other words, while the value of both fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies is rooted in user trust, they derive that trust from different foundations.

So what makes the blockchain technology on which crypto is built so worthy of user trust?

The answer lies in three key elements:

0. Cryptography
1. Programmability
2. Decentralization

Cryptography

At its core, cryptography is the science of encoding and decoding information to protect it from unauthorized access or manipulation. It plays a crucial role in ensuring cryptocurrency’s security.

Cryptography is used to secure cryptocurrency transactions, protect user identities, and verify the authenticity of digital assets. It uses complex mathematical algorithms to encrypt data (the process of converting ordinary data into ciphertext), making it unreadable to anyone without a proper decryption key.

This provides a robust layer of security for cryptocurrencies, ensuring that transactions are confidential, tamper-proof, and resistant to unauthorized access. It instills trust in users by protecting their privacy and preventing fraudulent activities.

Programmability

Programmability is a feature that gives cryptocurrencies the ability to function as a versatile digital asset. With programmability, a cryptocurrency can take on new and interesting forms based on the rules set by its developers.

For example, developers can build innovative applications, automate financial processes, and create new forms of economic interactions. This opens up limitless opportunities in decentralized finance (DeFi).

Cryptocurrency programmability usually comes in the form of smart contracts: digital agreements that can automatically carry out tasks and transactions without needing a middleman. They make things more efficient and reduce the chances of mistakes or unfairness.

Programmable smart contracts foster trust by ensuring transactions are executed exactly as agreed upon.

Decentralization

Decentralization refers to the distribution of consensus across a network, allowing multiple participants to have a say and reducing reliance on a single authority.

In other words, decentralization spreads the decision-making power so no one person or entity has all the control. This is crucial to promoting trust and transparency.

While cryptocurrencies can be centralized, most operate on decentralized networks. No single entity has absolute control over the cryptocurrency network.

Instead, the network is maintained and validated by a distributed network of participants, often referred to as nodes. These nodes work together to verify transactions, maintain a transparent ledger (the blockchain), and ensure the overall integrity of the network.

Decentralization fosters trust by ensuring that no single entity has absolute control over a cryptocurrency network. This collaborative approach enhances transparency and strengthens the overall integrity of the system.

Closing thoughts on crypto value

The value of cryptocurrencies goes beyond their ability to be exchanged for traditional currencies. Rather, it comes from the trust that users place in the blockchain technology that underpins them. 

This trust is rooted in cryptography, programmability, and decentralization: the three essential pillars of crypto’s credibility.

Begin your crypto journey with MoonPay

Now you know how cryptocurrency gets its value, perhaps it’s time to buy your first crypto. 

To get started, simply buy Bitcoin or your preferred crypto using your credit card or any other payment method.

MoonPay makes it easy to sell crypto for fiat money when you decide it's time to cash out your cryptocurrency.

Simply enter the amount of BTC or other crypto you'd like to sell and enter the details where you want to receive your funds.