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Retail panic hits as searches for $0 bitcoin surge

Retail Panic Hits | Bitcoin Searches for $0 Surge

By

TomΓ‘s Vega

Feb 21, 2026, 02:45 AM

Updated

Feb 21, 2026, 05:43 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A graph showing a sharp decline in Bitcoin prices with anxious traders watching the screen, signaling a sell-off in the crypto market.
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In a troubling twist for the cryptocurrency scene, retail fear has ramped up as searches for the phrase "Bitcoin to zero" soared to an alarming 100 points on Google Trends. This spike mirrors panic levels from June 2022, following the TerraUSD collapse, raising questions about the current market's stability.

An Urgent Call for Caution

People are visibly anxious as Bitcoin’s value continues to waver. Many traders now find themselves jumping to conclusions based on this intense fear. One online commentator aptly noted, "When the crowd is convinced BTC is going to zero, it usually means the sellers are running out of coins to sell." Such perspectives hint at a shift in market behavior.

A growing sentiment within forums suggests a belief that larger players are manipulating the market. One comment pointed out, "Yes, BTC will go up in the next months, but the sad part is that it is being manipulated by the world’s biggest players." This highlights a significant concern among traders.

Traders Caught in the Crossfire

The volatility triggered by this panic has some analysts speculating about upcoming buying opportunities. "It’s pretty simple: buy the fear and sell the greed," said one commentator, echoing a strategy that's been gaining traction among seasoned investors. While some fear the worst, others see this as a chance to enter the market at lower prices.

Interestingly, discussions have emerged regarding the role of institutional investors. People suggest that their involvement may prevent significant market crashes: "Normal Bitcoin would crash harder this time, but since institutions are heavily involved, they prevent bigger downfalls," remarked a forum participant.

Is the Needle Moving?

Despite looming fears surrounding predictions of Bitcoin hitting $0, many traders remain hopeful. Observations suggest that influential players are unlikely to let the cryptocurrency fade into obscurity.

Comment Highlights

  • "These weekends feel like the dumbest/scariest to hold BTC or ETH."

  • "Panic may be just what seasoned investors look for."

As discussions shift between skepticism and cautious optimism, it’s evident that traders are split. Will they adapt to the perceived market tactics or fold under pressure? Time will tell.

Key Insights

  • 🚨 Searches for "Bitcoin to zero" suggest extreme retail panic, reminiscent of June 2022.

  • πŸ” Some believe major players may be skewing the market dynamics.

  • πŸ›’ Amid the chaos, the potential for buying opportunities is gaining traction.

  • 🀝 Institutional investing may cushion Bitcoin's price, reducing crash risks.

This evolving narrative showcases the ongoing battle between fear and opportunity in the cryptocurrency realm. As the situation progresses, the focus will remain on how people react amidst uncertainty.