Unveiling the Truth About NFTs: Are They Truly ‘Worthless’?

Robert John
CryptoNiche
Published in
7 min readOct 13, 2023

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Riding the NFT Rollercoaster: Debunking Misconceptions

In the ever-shifting world of NFTs, one thing is certain — it’s a wild ride. A headline from Rolling Stone sent shockwaves through the crypto space, boldly proclaiming that NFTs are “completely worthless.” But should we really buy into the hype or hysteria? Let’s dive in.

Rolling Stone’s Bold Declaration

Rolling Stone, an authority in mainstream media, dropped a bombshell when they declared NFTs as “completely worthless.” This bold statement was rooted in the findings of a dappGambl study, which took a deep dive into the NFT landscape. Their research revealed a concerning statistic: it appeared that nearly 95% of NFTs held by over 23 million investors had seemingly lost their value.

NFT Landscape in the Shadows

It’s easy to be swayed by such alarming figures. The NFT market, which once seemed like a never-ending party, now appears to be going through a bit of a rough patch. Floor prices have taken a nosedive, projects that once looked like the next big thing are vanishing, and your favorite digital collectibles are no longer fetching the insane prices they once did.

Market’s Pulse

But before we start drafting a eulogy for NFTs, let’s check the market’s pulse. Recent data from CryptoSlam reveals that over $79 million in NFT trading volume occurred in just the past week. Sure, it might not reach the dizzying heights of the bull run, but it’s undeniable proof that NFTs are far from lifeless. And if you need more convincing, take a gander at the high-profile sales that have transpired in the last 30 days. One standout example? A massive 500 ETH ($809,043 USD) Mega Mutant sale.

A Community Divided: Reactions and Echoes

As the NFT community collectively scratched its head in response to Rolling Stone’s “completely worthless” proclamation, a stark division emerged. The shockwaves from the article led to a whirlwind of opinions and emotions. Some folks readily agreed with the report’s findings, while others stood staunchly by the NFT community. This kind of dichotomy is what makes the NFT space so intriguing.

NFT Community’s Dichotomy

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the split within the NFT community. On one side, you have the skeptics and realists who have witnessed the market’s ups and downs. They see the declining floor prices, the projects that promised the world but delivered a fraction, and the digital collectibles that no longer command astronomical sums. To them, it may seem like the NFT bubble is slowly deflating.

Gary Vee’s Nostradamus Moment

Enter Gary Vaynerchuck, the serial entrepreneur and founder of Veefriends. He’s been quite the vocal pessimist, going so far as to predict that “98–99% of the current NFT pfp projects will go zero.” In an article he penned back in December 2022, Gary shared his insights into the NFT market’s decline.

He pointed to several key reasons for his skepticism. First, he highlighted the oversaturation of the market with a plethora of NFT projects, many of which were driven by short-term greed rather than a long-term vision. In other words, it’s not about the art or the technology; it’s about making a quick buck. This has led to poorly managed NFT projects and a lack of commitment to building lasting value.

But Gary doesn’t stop there. He draws a parallel with the dotcom bubble, emphasizing that while many projects will inevitably fail, a select few will rise to the top. It’s not an uncommon trajectory for emerging markets. Gary’s advice? Invest in projects with solid foundations and capable leadership. After all, he reminds us that technological advancements often face skepticism before they become widely accepted.

Head of Instagram: “I’m Still Bullish on NFTs”

In an intriguing turn of events, Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, expressed his continued optimism about NFTs during the inaugural Creator Innovation Summit held on October 4th. This summit was designed to educate creators on brand development, maximizing Instagram’s tools, and exploring innovative technologies.

This announcement might come as a surprise to some, considering that in March 2023, Instagram had taken the unexpected step of removing its NFT-supporting features from its platform. During a fireside chat with tech influencer Marques Brownlee, Mosseri explained his bullish stance on NFTs and the reasoning behind it.

His stance was framed by the perspective that NFTs, in their previous form on Instagram, didn’t represent a significant revenue driver for all creators. Instagram’s decision to pull back on NFT features was, in part, due to a broader belt-tightening approach and the perceived high level of risk involved.

Regulatory Roadblocks: Navigating NFT’s Legal Landscape

Now, let’s step into the regulatory realm and see how it’s impacting the NFT universe. You might wonder, “Why should I care about regulations when I’m just buying a cool piece of digital art?” Well, it matters more than you might think.

The NFT sector has recently found itself under increased regulatory scrutiny, and one high-profile case that caught everyone’s attention was Stoner Cats. When the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) starts taking an interest in NFTs, it’s bound to raise questions about the long-term viability of these digital assets. If the regulatory hammer falls on a related company, what happens to your NFTs?

People want to know if their digital investments are secure and compliant with the law. These regulatory roadblocks aren’t just theoretical concerns. They can significantly impact the NFT market, affecting how assets are bought, sold, and traded. And, as a result, they have the potential to influence NFT prices and the overall health of the market.

From Art to Beyond: NFTs’ Expanding Horizons

Alright, we’ve covered the challenges and the market’s current state, but here’s the exciting part: NFTs are not just about digital art anymore. It’s like the NFT world has taken a deep breath and is ready to dive into new waters.

NFTs are branching out into various sectors, and it’s a game-changer. Think of it as a painter who starts with a blank canvas but gradually adds layers, creating a multidimensional masterpiece. NFTs are doing something similar.

Now, you can find NFTs linked to real estate, gaming, intellectual property, and much more. They’ve expanded their territory beyond digital art, which opens up a world of opportunities for both creators and collectors.

This diversification is essential for the long-term stability of the NFT market. It’s like a tree that grows multiple branches, ensuring its survival even if one branch faces challenges. NFTs are adapting, evolving, and demonstrating their potential to be more than just a fleeting trend.

How this Downturn Can be a Cause for Hope?

Let’s dive into the big question: Are NFTs truly ‘worthless’? The truth is, while the NFT market may be going through a rough patch, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, this downturn could be the perfect storm for something exciting to happen.

NFT Development To Become Better With More Trustworthy Projects

You see, as the market cools down, it becomes less appealing to quick-buck artists and more inviting to creators and investors with a long-term vision. Trustworthy and sustainable NFT development projects can now rise to the surface. This can mean more art, collectibles, and digital assets that have real value and meaning. So, while some NFTs may have lost their luster, the ones that remain could shine even brighter.

New and Innovative Projects Will Get Traction

Remember when everyone thought the internet was just a fad? Fast forward to today, and we can’t imagine life without it. The same principle applies to NFTs. Even though some projects are experiencing a dip, new and innovative ones are popping up.

In the world of NFTs, it’s not just about digital art; it’s about the endless possibilities. Projects that merge technology, art, and creativity in new ways can grab the spotlight. It’s like watching a movie with unexpected plot twists — you never know which NFT project will take center stage next.

NFTs in Web3 Game Will Pick Up

Lastly, let’s talk about the potential for NFTs in the world of Web3 gaming. If you’re a gamer, you know that NFTs have the power to revolutionize the gaming experience. Imagine owning unique in-game items, characters, or even land that you can buy, sell, or trade. It’s like the difference between playing a board game with plain pieces and one with beautifully crafted figurines — NFTs add depth and value to the gaming universe.

As the NFT market matures, we can expect to see more integration with Web3 games. This is an exciting frontier where NFTs can shine, bringing digital ownership and authenticity to a whole new level.

Conclusion

So, are NFTs truly ‘worthless’? It’s safe to say that the current slump is just one chapter in the NFT story. The market is evolving, weeding out the less promising projects and creating space for more valuable and innovative ones. Whether it’s NFTs in art, gaming, or other sectors, there’s a sense of renewal in the air. Instead of seeing this downturn as a downfall, we can view it as an opportunity for the NFT development space to become better, more creative, and more trustworthy. The truth is, NFTs are far from ‘worthless’ — they’re just getting started.

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Robert John
CryptoNiche

Web3 professional experienced in blockchain development and skilled in writing engaging content on emerging technologies.