by Cameron Lloyd
Over the last few years, virtual or digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and the technology that underpins them, blockchain, have become popular. These developments have brought about great changes in many sectors of the economy ranging from financial services to the support of Decentralized Applications.
In contemporary society, one cannot mention the role of crypto without pointing out cinema as one of the areas they have taken root. Movies and TV series have started to present an idea of the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain; often in a rather dramatic and often over-the-top manner. For instance, the presentation of cryptographic forms of money including Bitcoin and its oscillations, BTC to AUD, is an allusion to the general subject of financial revolution and change in these cinematic plots. This article looks at the portrayal of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology in film, the realism of the portrayal and the implications and effects of such portrayal.
The Emergence of Crypto in Films
Through the analysis of the given movie snippets, it can be concluded that the portrayal of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in cinema is indicative of society’s increasing interest in digital currency and decentralized systems. Over the years, these technologies have been integrated into screenplays to depict issues concerning finance, crime and economics. Documentaries such as ‘Banking on Bitcoin’ and ‘Crypto’ provide the audience with a look into the world of cryptocurrencies but not necessarily the factual one.
The documentary “Banking on Bitcoin” released in 2016 is a documentary that gives an insight into the creation of Bitcoin, the effect it has on the financial systems and the ills associated with it. Thus, presenting the interviews with the major personalities in the crypto sphere and focusing on actual occurrences, the movie captures the general landscape of Bitcoin’s history and its obstacles. On the other hand, there are fiction movies like “Crypto” that feature actors like Kurt Russell and Luke Hemsworth that are based on the world of cryptocurrencies although most of the time, the movies are centered on criminal activities and not the real essence of the technology.
Accuracy and Misrepresentation
Movies that depict cryptocurrency and blockchain tend to be more fiction-based, which makes their representation of the subject rather inconsistent. While watching documentaries, such as ‘Banking on Bitcoin’, the creators attempt to provide a detailed account of events and fictional movies may focus on the entertainment factor. Such circumstances make it possible to provide distorted or oversimplified descriptions of the cryptocurrency and blockchain nature.
For instance, in most movies and books, cryptocurrency is depicted as a shady and risky means applied by the wrong-doers. Movies can be based on hacking, theft and other forms of cybercrime, which gives a wrong impression of the technology and how it can be applied. This can help in creating misconceptions about the types of digital currencies and their uses. However, the fact remains that the anonymity of cryptocurrency has been linked to criminal activities, but at the same time, it has other uses such as means of purchase, investment and inclusion of the unbanked population.
Likewise, there are cases when blockchain is described as the perfect tool for solving certain issues, without going into details about the specifics of its application. The films may show blockchain as a technology that can overcome all the problems, from corruption to hacks, while not explaining the real problems and obstacles that blockchain faces. This may lead to setting up wrong interpretations and expectancies on the possible applications of blockchain technology.
Impact on Public Perception
The way and what films demonstrate about cryptocurrency and blockchain can set the audience’s perception of these ideas. These technologies can be portrayed in dramatic scenes and this can impose a certain notion to the minds of the audience. For instance, a movie that portrays the use of cryptocurrency in vices will provide a negative perception of the use of cryptocurrency in vices.
On the positive side, films that depict cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in more realistic ways can help audiences understand the good and the bad sides of the subject. Hence, emphasising the application of such technologies and their positive impact, films can promote and increase people’s understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain.
The Role of Cinema in Technological Education
It really should be mentioned that cinema can play a crucial role in educating the audience about the most complex technologies, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain. By employing these topics, films not only serve as an educational tool but also help create awareness and spark discussion. On the same note, the audience must watch the movies keenly and with suspicion and search for more information from other reliable sources.
Apart from the famous movies, documentaries and educational movies can really provide a better and deeper understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain. Some of these films may contain interviews with experts, discussions of particular cases, and other practical learning tools that can enhance the audience’s knowledge of the subject at hand.
Conclusion
It is really possible to notice that modern films and TV series are slowly introducing the topic of cryptocurrencies and blockchains into their narratives and, depending on the show, it can be realistic or rather embellished. Although films can influence the audience and increase awareness, they tend to depict the real-life aspects of these technologies in a rather simplified manner. Future films are expected to present more complex and accurate portrayals of cryptocurrency and blockchain as these technologies advance. Critically analysing the depiction of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in movies and looking for more information, the spectator gets a really clearer picture of the effects and consequences of the given technology.
