Gallup survey reveals America's encryption dilemma: 14% hold it vs 60% zero interest, trust gap hard to bridge

The latest Gallup poll shows that despite the rebound in Bitcoin prices, the approval of Spot ETFs, and the advancement of regulatory frameworks, the adoption rate of Crypto Assets in the United States remains stagnant at 14%, with only 4% of the population planning to make purchases in the near term. As many as 60% of American adults express no interest in digital assets, with risk perception (87% consider it high risk) and demographic differences being the main obstacles, while the implementation of regulations may not resolve the fundamental Crisis of Confidence.

Stagnation of Crypto Adoption Rate: Enthusiasm and Indifference Coexist A Gallup survey conducted from June 2 to 15 reveals that the cryptocurrency ownership rate among American adults has remained stable at 14% for the past three years, with only 4% of respondents planning to buy in the short term. The data indicates that even with the approval of the Bitcoin Spot ETF and bipartisan support for the "GENIUS Act", most Americans still view digital assets as speculative tools (even high-risk bets), and their growth potential is widely underestimated.

Population Gap: Young Males Dominate, Elderly Females Feel Cold The encryption holding rate shows significant population differentiation:

• Age Gap: The holding rate for males under 50 is 25%, while it is only 8% for females of the same age; the holding rate for those over 65 is as low as 7%.
• Income Disparity: The holding rate for high-income earners and those with a university degree is 19%, nearly double that of the low-income group (9%).
• Political Orientation: Conservatives hold 18%, while Liberals hold only 11%.

Research indicates that the appeal of crypto assets remains concentrated among specific groups—particularly affluent young men with strong risk tolerance—while women and older individuals have low participation due to limited exposure channels and cognitive barriers, reflecting a deeper cultural divide.

Cognitive Paradox: 95% Awareness Rate vs 35% Understanding Rate The investigation reveals key contradictions:

1. High Terminology Popularity: 95% of American adults are aware of the concept of "Crypto Assets"
2. Low understanding rate: Only 35% claim to understand its operating principles.
3. Gender Cognitive Difference: 59% of young men self-identify as having a basic understanding, while only 22% of women over 50 do.

More seriously, risk aversion surpasses cognitive levels: regardless of understanding of Crypto Assets, 87% of the public views it as a high-risk investment (more than half consider it "extremely high risk"). Even experienced investors hold a cautious attitude, with nearly two-thirds believing that it is overly speculative—this view has changed little since 2021.

Conclusion: Regulatory frameworks such as the "GENIUS Act" may confer legal legitimacy to digital assets, but Gallup data indicates that regulations alone are insufficient to bridge the deep-seated Crisis of Confidence. As long as digital assets are still viewed by the mainstream as a "casino in the tech circle" rather than inclusive financial tools, the road to crypto adoption in the U.S. remains long. The key to breaking the impasse may lie in: educational initiatives that break down cognitive barriers, developing products that are friendly to women and seniors, and demonstrating long-term value through sustainable use cases (such as PayPal's cross-border payments) — only then can crypto technology transcend the current niche barriers.