Find out as
media update’s Lara Smit decrypts the meaning of cryptocurrency here.
1. What is cryptocurrency?
A
cryptocurrency is a digital currency that is distributed by crypto-owners on the Internet. It exists based off of a consensus network — i.e. many people agree that it has a value.
This currency isn't supported by any banks or governments, which means that it isn't bound to a central authority. With no central authority, crypto has
no exchange rate, making it ideal for cross-border transactions. This also means that crypto isn't directly influenced by factors like the economy and inflation.
2. How is crypto ownership verified?
The ownership of cryptocurrency is documented using blockchain technology to create a digital
ledger. This means that the buying and selling history of cryptocurrency is encrypted and stored across multiple computers.
3. What gives cryptocurrency its value?
The value of cryptocurrency is
relative. Like precious metals, cryptocurrency is seen as valuable because it is
rare. This is often one of the biggest arguments against cryptocurrency. However, in support of crypto,
Ryan Haar, staff writer at NextAdvisor, argues, "Currencies have value because people think they do, and societies or groups have decided they are going to be used as a medium of exchange."
What are your thoughts on cryptocurrency? Let us know in the comments section below.Want to keep up to date with the latest phrases?
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*Image courtesy of Vecteezy