Is AI the New Crypto? (Why Everyone’s Talking About It)

Remember when cryptocurrency was all anyone could talk about? From Bitcoin millionaires to NFT artwork selling for millions, crypto promised to revolutionize money, art, and ownership. But after wild highs came brutal crashes, leaving many asking: was it just hype?

Now, in 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken center stage. From viral AI art generators to ChatGPT-powered businesses, AI is being called “the new crypto.” Everyone wants in—investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday side hustlers alike.

But is AI truly the next gold rush, or will it follow the same boom-and-bust cycle we saw with crypto? Let’s break it down.

1. The Hype Factor: Déjà Vu All Over Again

AI today feels like crypto in 2017–2021

Both AI and crypto share one thing: massive hype cycles.

• In crypto, every new coin or NFT drop promised life-changing wealth.

• In AI, every new tool is marketed as the next “game-changer” that will disrupt industries.

Just like with crypto, people are starting businesses overnight with AI—some succeeding, many failing. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is driving adoption fast, often before the real-world value is proven.

2. Accessibility: Everyone Can Join In

Crypto made investors out of anyone—AI makes entrepreneurs out of anyone.

One reason crypto exploded was accessibility. Anyone with a smartphone could buy a coin or mint an NFT. Similarly, AI is lowering barriers to online business.

• With AI, you can write ebooks, generate art, run YouTube channels, or launch stores without deep skills.

• Tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and ElevenLabs are cheap (or even free), allowing anyone to experiment.

In short: crypto democratized investing. AI is democratizing creation.

3. Tangible Utility vs. Speculation

Why AI may have more staying power than crypto

Here’s the key difference:

• Crypto was (and still is) largely speculative. Many coins had no real utility.

• AI, on the other hand, already solves real problems:

  • Businesses use AI for customer service, marketing, and analytics.

  • Freelancers use AI to boost productivity.

  • Consumers use AI for art, music, and learning.

That means AI isn’t just a bet on the future—it’s already useful today.

4. The Money-Making Wave

How people are cashing in on AI (and why it feels like early crypto)

AI has created a new wave of online hustlers:

• Selling AI-generated art on Etsy and Redbubble

• Publishing AI-written ebooks on Amazon

• Running AI-powered YouTube channels

• Offering AI consulting services to small businesses

Much like crypto created “overnight millionaires,” AI is producing overnight entrepreneurs. The barrier to entry is low, but competition is rising fast.

5. The Risks & Scams

Every boom brings bad actors

Crypto became infamous for scams, rug pulls, and get-rich-quick schemes. AI is showing similar risks:

• Fake AI “coaching programs” charging thousands for recycled content

• Low-quality spam flooding marketplaces (AI ebooks, art, stock photos)

• Overhyped AI startups with little substance behind them

Whenever there’s hype, there’s exploitation. Newcomers need to be cautious and differentiate real opportunities from empty promises.

6. The Investment Angle

VC money is pouring into AI, just like it did into crypto

Billions of dollars in venture capital are flooding into AI startups—echoing the crypto bubble years. Big Tech (Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic) are racing to dominate the space, while smaller startups promise disruptive innovation.

The difference? Unlike many crypto startups, AI companies are delivering immediate value (automation, cost savings, productivity tools). That makes AI potentially more sustainable as an investment sector.

7. Regulation on the Horizon

Crypto was the Wild West—AI might not be.

Crypto’s lack of regulation led to volatility and scams. Governments were slow to react. With AI, regulators are moving faster:

• The EU has already introduced the AI Act.

• The U.S. and Asia are debating AI safety and ethics rules.

This means AI could face tighter controls sooner, which may stabilize its growth compared to crypto’s rollercoaster ride.

8. Long-Term Outlook: Bubble or Foundation?

Will AI crash, or will it stay?

Crypto’s story isn’t over—but it’s still volatile and niche. AI, however, looks different:

• It’s being integrated into everyday life (search engines, office software, smartphones).

• Companies across industries are adopting AI, from healthcare to finance.

• AI has broad utility, not just financial speculation.

That suggests AI is less likely to vanish and more likely to become foundational technology, like electricity or the internet.

Conclusion: So, Is AI the New Crypto?

The short answer: Yes and no.

Like crypto, AI is experiencing massive hype, attracting money, media attention, and “overnight hustlers.” But unlike crypto, AI offers tangible value today. It’s not just about speculation—it’s about solving real problems, boosting productivity, and opening doors to entrepreneurship.

In other words, AI might be the new gold rush, but with stronger foundations than crypto ever had.

If crypto was about owning digital assets, AI is about creating digital value. And in the long run, creators usually win.