Wait… Bitcoin's Still Alive?
Short answer: yeah.
Long answer: not only is it alive, it’s growing, mutating, evolving, whatever word you wanna use. Back in 2018-ish, I remember hearing about Bitcoin and rolling my eyes. I legit thought, “Who in their right mind is buying this fake money?”
And yet... here we are. July 2025. And I’m writing this blog post. Because the more I learned, the more it made sense. And now I kinda wish I had started earlier (don’t we all?).
If you’re new to all this, don’t worry, I promise I’ll keep this simple, honest, and as human as possible. No crypto lingo. No pump-and-dump hype. Just a plain guide for normal people like you and me.
💡 So... What Is Bitcoin, Really?
Let’s strip away all the buzzwords.
Bitcoin is basically money... but reimagined for the internet age. It’s not printed by any government. No one controls it. There’s no boss. It just runs. Like email or the internet itself.
It’s:
• Digital (you won’t be holding a shiny Bitcoin coin, sorry)
• Scarce (only 21 million ever, full stop)
• Decentralized (no middlemen, no banks, no one to beg permission from)
• Based on something called a “blockchain” , we’ll get to that.
It’s like if someone took gold, turned it into computer code, and made it possible to send it to anyone, anywhere, at any time, without needing a bank.
🧠 Okay... But How Does It Work?
Alright. Picture this:
You want to send your friend some money. In the regular world, you'd use an Online Banking, or Mobile App, or maybe PayPal. Someone has to approve it, process it, and maybe charge a fee.
With Bitcoin, none of that middle stuff exists.
You just send the Bitcoin from your wallet to theirs. That’s it. And instead of a bank keeping records, the transaction gets verified and stored on a giant public record called the blockchain.
What’s This Blockchain Thing?
Think of it like a massive Google Doc, shared with millions of people, updated constantly, and locked so tight no one can cheat or erase anything.
Every Bitcoin transaction gets added to this digital notebook. It’s public, it’s secure, and weirdly... kinda beautiful in its simplicity.
🏆 Why It Still Matters in 2025
1. Inflation Is Eating Our Wallets
I don’t need to tell you that everything’s more expensive now. Groceries, rent, nasi lemak, teh tarik, it all adds up.
Governments can (and do) print more money when things get tough. But with Bitcoin? Nope. No printing button. There’s a hard limit of 21 million coins. Ever.
That’s why people call it digital gold. It’s not about getting rich overnight, it’s about preserving value while everything else slowly leaks.
2. No Bank? You’re Not Alone
Over a billion people in 2025 still can’t open a bank account. Maybe they don’t have paperwork. Maybe the banks just don’t care.
But many of them do have a smartphone.
With Bitcoin, all you need is a wallet app and an internet connection. That’s it. No permission. No long queues. No “Sorry, sir, we can’t process your request.”
It’s a lifeline for the unbanked. A backdoor into the global economy.
3. Sending Money Shouldn’t Be a Nightmare
Ever tried sending money overseas? I have. Fees, waiting times, sketchy exchange rates, it’s exhausting.
Bitcoin fixes that. You can send money to anyone, anywhere, in minutes. Doesn’t matter if they’re in KL, New York, or rural Kenya.
It’s fast, borderless, and doesn’t care what passport you hold.
4. It’s a Movement, Not Just a Coin
Here’s the thing: Bitcoin isn’t just “money.” It’s also a protest. A big ol’ middle finger to capitalism and systems that exclude, exploit, oppress and surveil us.
It’s about freedom, privacy, and having a Plan B when Plan A fails. That’s why people aren’t just investing, they’re believing in it.
💬 Let Me Put It This Way…
Do you remember when people said the internet was a fad? “Oh, it’s just for nerds. No one’s gonna use it for real life.”
Now we literally order food, get dates, book flights, and even attend weddings online.
Bitcoin’s kinda like that. It started niche, now it’s slowly becoming normal.
🔐 Is Bitcoin Safe?
Yes... and no. Depends on you.
The technology itself? Bulletproof. No one’s hacked the Bitcoin network. Every transaction is locked down by cryptography.
But if you:
• Lose your password (aka seed phrase), your Bitcoin’s gone
• Fall for scams or shady websites, no one can refund you
It’s kinda like owning your own safe. Super secure, but don’t lose the key.
🧰 How to Get Started (Without Screwing Up)
1. Get a Wallet
This is your digital “purse” for Bitcoin.
• Self-custody (Cold Wallets): Ledger, Trezor, Tangem, BlueWallet (offline cold wallets devices, you hold the keys)
• Non-custodial (Hot Wallets): MetaMask, Trust Wallet App (online software-based hot wallets, you hold the keys)
• Custodial: Coinbase, Cash App (Exchanges or Facilitator, they hold them for you)
2. Buy a Little
You don’t need to buy one whole Bitcoin. Start with 10 USD or RM10. Or even less. Just test the waters.
Use regulated exchanges. Set up recurring buys if you’re into that “slow and steady” thing.
3. Lock It Down
Write down your seed phrase. Store it somewhere safe (no, not on your phone).
And if you’re holding a lot? Get a hardware wallet.
⚖️ Bitcoin Myths I’ve Heard (and Believed... oops)
Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
“It’s a scam” | Some crypto is sketchy, but Bitcoin’s open and legit |
“I’m too late” | Most people still don’t own any. Still early |
“It’s bad for the planet” | Mining is moving toward renewables |
“Only criminals use it” | It’s actually easier to track than cash |
🔄 Bitcoin vs Dollar/etc.
Feature | Bitcoin | Fiat Currency (USD, MYR, ETC.) |
|---|---|---|
Supply | Fixed forever | Can be printed endlessly |
Control | No central body | Central banks decide everything |
Transfers | Minutes | Often takes days |
Inflation | Predictable | Increasing like crazy |
Privacy | Semi-private | Fully trackable |
❓Stuff People Always Ask Me
Q: Can I lose my money?
Yup. Just like you can drop your wallet or fall for a scam. Learn first, then buy.
Q: Is it legal in Malaysia? In the US?
Yes. You can buy, sell, and own it. Just don’t expect to pay for your nasi goreng with it (yet).
Q: Bitcoin vs Ethereum, what’s better?
Different tools. Bitcoin is money. Ethereum is more like a platform. You don’t need to pick sides. Learn both if you’re curious.
👋 Final Thoughts (Before You Close the Tab)
Look, I’m not here to convince you to buy anything. Seriously. You don’t need to buy Bitcoin today.
But you should learn about it. Because it’s not going away. And the sooner you understand what’s happening, the better prepared you’ll be, even if you decide it’s not for you.
Bitcoin matters in 2025 not just because of price charts, but because it gives people a choice. A shot at something outside the usual system. A little freedom in your pocket.
And that? That’s worth understanding.
It’s about freedom, privacy, and having a Plan B when Plan A fails. That’s why people aren’t just investing, they’re believing in it.
🙋♂️ Hey, One Last Thing…
If this helped even a tiny bit, feel free to share it. Or better yet, teach someone else what you just learned.
Thanks for reading. Stay curious. Stay skeptical. Stay Bitcoin.
