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Crypto's cyclical nature: it's not over yet

Crypto Waves | Cycles Keep Spark Alive in 2026

By

TomΓ‘s Vega

Feb 17, 2026, 09:47 AM

Edited By

Diego Silva

Updated

Feb 18, 2026, 03:20 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A group of investors examining cryptocurrency graphs and trends on digital devices, reflecting anticipation of market peaks.

A rising chorus among crypto enthusiasts reinforces the notion that cryptocurrency isn't finished yet, even amid recent downturns. Users on various forums are comparing today's market ebb to historical lows, suggesting resilience may lead to a promising rebound.

Market Review: Contrarian Views Serve Up Fresh Insights

As 2026 unfolds, sentiments are mixed yet hopeful. Observers state that dismissing crypto as dead mirrors past misconceptions about the internet after the dotcom crash. One user emphasized, "Calling crypto dead is like calling the internet dead in 2002." Others argue this time feels different, with increased attention from government entities acknowledging the substantial financial stakes involved.

Shifting Perspectives on Altcoins and BTC

Recent forum chatter brings up three key themes around the current state of altcoins and Bitcoin:

  • Evolution of Use Cases: Some people are skeptical about crypto's initial promises, acknowledging that what was once touted as a universal currency is less practical due to high transaction costs. As one user put it, "Let’s put X on the blockchain projects no company would use over a protected database."

  • Regulatory Shift: The perception of crypto's place in the financial world has shifted. A culture of skepticism appears to be fading as authorities take a more active role in the sector. "The government is taking it serious this time; it changes the game," shared a participant reflecting the growing official engagement.

  • Investor Sentiment: While some remain cautious, others are cautiously optimistic about potential recovery cycles. A sentiment reflects that bears could soon give way to bulls, with one poster stating, "Bulls will win in the end, especially with institutional leverage from ETFs."

The Road Ahead for Crypto

While criticisms about the viability of certain projects rise, there remains a core belief in crypto's cyclical nature. Long-term holders express confidence that those who weather the lows wisely will reap the rewards during the next upturn.

"The timing seems ideal for the next breakout, especially with institutional backing," indicates a long-time crypto enthusiast.

Key Insights

  • ◀️ Parallel drawn between crypto's evolution and the internet's growth.

  • πŸ”‘ Increased institutional engagement signals a potential shift in market sentiment.

  • β–½ Altcoins still face challenges in recapturing their previous highs.

As the industry navigates these ups and downs, many are closely monitoring how these factors could reshape perceptions and investments in crypto assets throughout the year. Will this cycle favor those who believe, or will a new narrative take hold?