#Crypto didn't exist in the 1980s but my core point about a major shift is valid.
Early Crypto (Pre-2017ish):
* Smaller, less mainstream.
* Prices moved more predictably via technical analysis (TA) – chart patterns, indicators. Fewer external shocks.
Modern Crypto (Now Dominated):
* News & Events: Regulatory announcements, ETF approvals, hacks cause immediate, massive swings.
* Mega-Influencers:
* Elon Musk: Tweets about DOGE or Bitcoin cause instant pumps/dumps. His ownership of **X (Twitter)** amplifies his reach massively.
* Donald Trump: Pro-crypto statements or political news (donations, CBDC criticism) trigger significant rallies. His influence is immense.
* Algorithmic Trading: Bots instantly trade on keywords ("Musk," "Trump," "ETF"), exaggerating moves based on headlines, not charts. #TrumpVsMusk
* X (Twitter) is Ground Zero: News and hype spread here first, driving knee-jerk reactions.
Why it Feels Manipulated:
* Single tweets or headlines override weeks of TA.
* #Whalestrap /influencers move markets before retail can react (asymmetric information).
* Prices detach from fundamentals, driven by #FOMO /panic from external noise.
TA Still Exists, But Isn't Enough:
It helps identify levels and manage risk, but **ignoring news and influencers like Musk & Trump is now reckless.** Survival requires monitoring both charts *and* the chaotic news/social media landscape amplified by X.
