The Resurgence of a Controversial Powerhouse
4chan, the anonymous imageboard known for its controversial content and influence on internet culture, has returned to the online landscape after a brief hiatus. In April, the website was hit by a major data leak, exposing user and moderator data. This led to a temporary shutdown, leaving many wondering if the site would ever resurface. However, 4chan has emerged, defying expectations and reaffirming its position as a major force in online discourse. While notorious for its dark side, 4chan has also played a significant role in shaping the crypto ecosystem, acting as a breeding ground for altcoin discovery, memecoin mania, and market manipulation.
Finding Alpha and Pumping Prices on /Biz/
4chan‘s “Business & Finance” board, known as /Biz/, has long served as a hotbed of crypto activity. Traders, investors, and enthusiasts converge on this forum to exchange information, promote tokens, and dissect the crypto landscape. /Biz/ has earned a reputation for being a hunting ground for moonshot tokens that have yet to gain mainstream attention, though platforms like X and Telegram have increasingly challenged its dominance in this space.
The imageboard has also witnessed numerous shilling campaigns, where users aggressively promote specific cryptocurrencies in an attempt to drive up their prices. This can lead to volatile market movements, with tokens experiencing sudden surges based on hype rather than fundamental value.
Prophetic Anons and the Rise of Chainlink
4chan‘s anonymity breeds a certain mystique, leading to the emergence of “prophetic” users who claim to possess insider information on market trends. These self-proclaimed gurus often disseminate alleged secrets or make price predictions, some of which have surprisingly proven accurate. However, it’s important to note that many of these claims are unsubstantiated and should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism.
One of the most successful shilling campaigns to emerge from 4chan revolves around Chainlink (LINK), a decentralized oracle network. The project’s passionate community, known as the LINK Marines, initially discovered Chainlink on /Biz/, and their enthusiastic promotion played a significant role in driving LINK’s price surge in 2020 and 2021.
The early Chainlink community was particularly energized by a mysterious figure called “AssBlaster,” who shared alleged inside information about the project on /Biz/. The LINK Marines’ relentless advocacy on 4chan and social media platforms helped solidify Chainlink‘s place as a leading oracle solution.
Pepe the Frog and the Memecoin Mania
Pepe the Frog, a popular meme originally created by artist Matt Furie, has become deeply intertwined with crypto culture. Its association with Chainlink‘s success, particularly among the LINK Marines, contributed to its widespread adoption within the crypto community. This, in turn, led to the launch of Pepe (PEPE), a memecoin named after the iconic frog, which experienced a meteoric rise in 2024, propelled by the broader memecoin craze.
4chan‘s influence on memecoin mania goes beyond Pepe. Mog Coin (MOG), another memecoin, gained immense popularity based on the phrase “mogging,” and the popular phrase “we’re all gonna make it” (WAGMI) also traces its roots back to the imageboard. These examples demonstrate the power of 4chan in shaping both crypto culture and price movements.
The Future of 4chan‘s Influence
Despite the emergence of other platforms like Telegram and X, 4chan continues to hold significant cultural weight. The website’s return signals that its influence on crypto and the broader internet landscape is far from waning. While its controversial nature remains a defining characteristic, 4chan‘s ability to stir markets, foster communities, and popularize memes is undeniable.
Whether you love it, hate it, or simply find it intriguing, 4chan‘s presence continues to be felt in the crypto world. As it navigates the challenges of its recent data leak and strives to maintain its unique character, 4chan remains a force to be reckoned with in the digital realm.
