Gen Z 'nihilism' is fueling a $100 trillion crypto derivatives boom, in response to a broken system
Gen Z's 'economic nihilism,' driven by inaccessible housing, fuels massive speculation in crypto derivatives and prediction markets.Summary
CoinFund managing partner David Pakman argues that the surge in high-risk speculation among Gen Z, evidenced by a $100 trillion volume in crypto perpetual contracts, is not recklessness but 'economic nihilism.' This behavior is a rational response to structural barriers, primarily the soaring cost of housing, which is now 7.5 times the average Gen Z salary compared to 4.5 times for older generations, effectively closing off traditional wealth-building paths like homeownership. With traditional routes blocked, younger investors are strategically choosing high-chance, high-return bets like memecoins and perpetual futures. Pakman urged the crypto industry to respond by building fairer, more transparent tools that better allow for the expression of risk.
(Source：CoinDesk)