Can cryptocurrencies be feasibly adopted as a national currency? The perspective of the younger generation

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the paper is twofold. First, it is a presentation the cryptocurrencies as an interdisciplinary issue, however raising justified concerns. Second, it is the analysis of the opinion of the young generation on the possibility of converting their national currency into cryptocurrencies.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The survey questionnaire was used and data collected from 778 university students were statistically analyzed. The survey was conducted in Poland, a country the cryptocurrencies are treated quite neutrally, they are not banned, and at the same time, they are not a full-fledged means of payment. The opinions of Poland-based students about the possibility of cryptocurrencies adaptation as a national currency considering their experience with cryptocurrencies were taken into consideration.

FINDINGS: The results showed that only 17% of students see the possibility of cryptocurrency adaptation as a national currency whereas most of them were opposed to that idea. Significant differences were found between students who had and not had experience with cryptocurrencies and their opinions on such variables as access to cryptocurrency wallets, using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, and willingness for undertaking activities aimed at cryptocurrencies. However, there were no differences for such variables as cryptocurrency mining as well as the period students learnt about cryptocurrencies. Generally, students who have already had experience with cryptocurrencies rated higher the possibility of cryptocurrency adaptation as a national currency and saw more chances for a such adaptation.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The majority of students found it difficult to assess cryptocurrencies and their further development. The presumed adaptation of the cryptocurrencies can encounter two main problems, i.e., (1) there is a large group of people that have no experience with cryptocurrencies and are not interested in them, (2) the opinion and evaluation of cryptocurrencies vary significantly considering people’s experience even though only younger generation were analyzed, i.e. people for whom newest technologies and solution are an inseparable part of their lives and thus they are more eager to use them. It can be assumed that for older generations these problems can act as a major limitation and barrier and thus to hinder cryptocurrency adaptation.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study is the first attempt to empirically test the young generation’s opinion on the potential adaptation of cryptocurrencies as national currencies. The study results enrich the literature by analyzing cryptocurrencies as a phenomenon rather than an economic variable through the lens of the young generation’s opinion.