Co-founder of Ethereum: 'I'm disappointed' that crypto critics have not used the slogan 'beware of geeks bearing grifts'

Public trust in cryptocurrency continues to evolve. A 2025 CivicScience survey found that 35% of Americans have invested in or plan to invest in digital assets, marking the highest level since tracking began in 2019. CivicScience reported that engagement is strongest among Generation Z and Democrats, suggesting shifting confidence as cryptocurrency becomes a mainstream investment option.

Technology skepticism is increasingly tied to cultural and political critiques, particularly regarding AI governance. Brookings noted that surveys in 2025 show people in the U.S. and U.K. are more concerned than optimistic about AI’s societal role, with distrust directed at both technology companies and governments to manage its risks responsibly.

Buterin, a Russian-Canadian programmer, co-founded Ethereum after publishing its white paper in 2013 and launching the network in 2015. As reported by Crypto.com University, he pioneered smart contracts, enabling decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 applications. He continues to influence blockchain development in areas such as scalability, governance, and cryptoeconomics.

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform created in 2013 and launched in 2015 to support programmable smart contracts and decentralized applications. According to Wikipedia and EtherWorld, it has undergone key milestones such as the 2022 transition to proof-of-stake, establishing itself as the backbone of DeFi and Web3 ecosystems worldwide.