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This evolution reflects a classic pattern observed with new technologies: initial denial, then anger, and eventually, acceptance. Society is now firmly in the “acceptance” stage, but Antonopoulos emphasizes that misconceptions remain widespread, often driven by fear and misinformation.
The Stages of Public Perception: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, and Acceptance
Antonopoulos outlines the typical psychological stages societies experience when confronting disruptive innovations:
Denial: Early rejection where new tech is dismissed or ignored.
Anger: Frustration surfaces as institutions and industries feel threatened, often expressed through rhetoric linking Bitcoin to illicit activities.