Every time the market slows down, the mainstream, and even many in Crypto, start believing that Crypto is dead. It happens in every bear market, whether it is a long-term bear market or just another short-term bearish phase. I have seen it happen over and over. It seems that human behavior is, in fact, very predictable.
The problem with new ideas and technologies is that there is a lengthy period of discovery. This means much of what occurs in the formative years is experimentation. It also means that a lot of what is created during this time will die and become irrelevant in the future. We have recently seen how altcoins battled to perform, even in a bullish environment. This is a good example of a market in discovery mode.
You can't just start investing in altcoins and joining various up-and-coming communities and projects. You have to choose carefully. If your only guiding star is the Bitcoin price, you are likely to be disappointed and led astray. Quality projects never slow down regarding development. They continue, regardless of the price and sentiment.
Hive is a good example of this dynamic. The HIVE price has hit its lowest valuation ever. There might be a decrease in user activity and publications. However, development and functionality continue regardless of the broader market sentiment. You might be surprised how low some on-chain activity is during a bear market. It's barely turning over.
On the other hand, Hive communities continue to interact. Development continues, and even tends to increase in certain niches. This is a key identifier when choosing a project to invest in. There must be a strong flow of determination that overpowers bearish sentiment, at least long enough to survive until the next bull run.
In a bull market, everything gains attention, making it almost impossible to discern between what's real and what's not. If anything, bear markets help identify projects that are worth your attention. Crypto isn't dead; it's in a process of self-discovery and metamorphosis.
If you think Crypto is dead, chances are you are looking in the wrong places. Certain sectors have been hit harder than others. Gaming and SoFi have both taken a beating, making Hive's survival even more impressive. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Keep searching for signs of life that can later reward you as an investor.