Home
/
Educational resources
/
Market psychology
/

Lessons from theranos: why people trusted elisabeth holmes

Crypto Under Fire | Are We Watching Another Theranos?

By

Oliver Wang

Feb 5, 2026, 10:10 AM

Edited By

Nina Evans

Updated

Feb 6, 2026, 11:10 PM

2 minutes reading time

Elisabeth Holmes in a black turtleneck, confidently addressing an audience while presenting Theranos technology

A swelling wave of skepticism surrounds crypto investments, echoing the missteps of Theranos. People now question if they're being misled as high-profile endorsements surface, reigniting fears of history repeating itself in the tech world.

Context of Skepticism

The ongoing discussions spotlight the endorsements from respected figures like George Shultz during the Theranos scandal. Today, similar figures are backing questionable crypto ventures, raising alarms among the public.

Key Themes from Recent Comments

  1. Visual Deceptions

    Some noted, "Speaking of which I saw a Theranos wrapped truck I wonder what kind of scammy rebrand is going on there." This highlights concerns about visual branding that masks underlying issues, similar to Theranos' flashy public image.

  2. Misguided Trust

    A pointed observation reflects on societal trust: "It was a bunch of old white guys getting suckered by a relatively attractive young woman Just like bitcoiners jk." This underscores a perception that charisma can sway investment decisions regardless of the technology's merit.

  3. Historical Parallels

    Reflections on the Theranos saga reveal echoes in today's crypto landscape. Commenters relate their feelings about influential endorsements to those surrounding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

"It bothers me how strongly it resembles people falling for Bitcoin et al."

Public Sentiment

The atmosphere is charged with skepticism, with many feeling wary about financial bubbles within crypto. Observers express concern: Are we witnessing the rise of yet another deceptive trend?

Key Points to Consider

  • โ—Š Influential figures are endorsing controversial tech, raising red flags.

  • โ—Š Public perception of trustworthiness in new innovations is fading.

  • โ—Š Historical patterns of deception re-emerge in discussions about crypto.

Predicting the Future of Crypto

As skepticism grows, regulatory bodies are likely to tighten their grip on crypto technologies. Experts suggest nearly 60% of investors may reconsider their portfolios in the upcoming year, prompted by public commentary. The increasing scrutiny could pave the way for regulatory frameworks designed to protect everyday investors, which might significantly alter the crypto landscape.

Learning from History

Drawing parallels to early flat-screen TV marketing, many consumers today place trust in flashy promos, only to find the technology lacking. This trend in consumer trust, rooted in Theranos' past, serves as a cautionary tale for investors diving into exciting but unproven technologies in crypto. The lesson remains clear: just because something is trendy, doesnโ€™t mean itโ€™s reliable.