[kridsdale1]

I imagine every gold rush mania is filled with kooks.

What’s the stereotype of the California and Yukon gold rushes? Toothless codgers and Yosemite Sam.

Tulip mania? Not as clear but surely not calm and rational.

NFTs? Hype Bros and Crypto Douchebags.

Social Media is the lens to current set of self selecting weirdos.

[mrandish]

Yep. When such a massive "yuge new ground floor opportunity!" hype hits the mass media zeitgeist it not only triggers an influx grifters but lots of lower-effort dilettantes. They're attracted not only by the promise of quick success but also a need to identify themselves with this 'hot new thing'. So they tend to seek out forums where they can express their new identity in the hope of receiving validation. In essence, they need a place to try out and practice their new identity before they trot it out to their friends and family IRL.

[lackoftactics]

I never thought about it, but that would make sense