Cryptocurrencies have been around for nearly 10 years, but it wasn’t until bitcoin’s value surged to a record high of nearly $20,000 in late 2017 that it had finally pierced the mainstream.
But just as would-be investors thought they’d missed the chance to make a tidy return, the cryptocurrency market dipped dramatically in mid-January, in part due to reports of tougher regulation in China and South Korea. Bitcoin’s value fell nearly 50 percent to below $10,000, while many other top cryptocurrencies similarly fell in value.
The market’s rebounded a little since, but the last couple months have served as a reminder of the inherent volatility of the space. VICE News spoke with cryptocurrency investors to see how they’re handling the rollercoaster ride, and whether they think crypto is, in fact, a bubble.