The latest study by trading firm Atmos analysed the search behaviour of 10 popular digital currencies to see which made investors nervous.
As crypto markets mature, investor behaviour is becoming easier to track and harder to ignore. A new study by trading firm Atmos reveals which digital assets are generating the most anxiety, based not on price action, but on how often investors turn to Google for reassurance.
By analysing search queries such as “will it go up”, “should I sell”, and “is it safe to invest”, the report offers a unique window into retail sentiment. When adjusted for the number of holders, the findings highlight where concern is most concentrated — and which assets are prompting the most second-guessing.
1. Litecoin (LTC)
- Most searched query: Will Litecoin go up
- Total searches: 168.8M
- Holders: 7.1M
Litecoin ranks as the most anxiety-inducing cryptocurrency, with investors searching for reassurance more frequently than any other group. The volume of “will it go up” queries suggests persistent uncertainty around its growth trajectory despite its long-standing market presence.
2. Bitcoin (BTC)
- Most searched query: Will Bitcoin go up
- Total searches: 332.6M
- Holders: 59.2M
Bitcoin generates the highest total number of anxiety-related searches, reflecting its dominant position in the market. However, its large holder base dilutes concern on a per-investor basis, indicating that uncertainty is widespread but less intense individually.
3. XRP (XRP)
- Most searched query: Will XRP go up
- Total searches: 23.3M
- Holders: 4.8M
XRP investors continue to show strong interest in future price direction, with most queries centred on potential upside. This pattern points to ongoing uncertainty, likely influenced by market positioning and external developments.
4. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Most searched query: Is Bitcoin Cash safe to invest
- Total searches: 149.4M
- Holders: 31.6M
Bitcoin Cash stands out for the nature of its anxiety, with investors focusing more on safety than price performance. The prominence of risk-related queries suggests deeper concerns about long-term viability and trust.
5. Avalanche (AVAX)
- Most searched query: Should I sell my Avalanche
- Total searches: 131.5K
- Holders: 54.7K
Avalanche shows one of the highest anxiety levels per holder, despite its relatively small user base. The leading query indicates active decision-making, with many investors weighing whether to exit positions.
6. USD Coin (USDC)
- Most searched query: Is USD Coin safe to invest
- Total searches: 11.5M
- Holders: 7.6M
As a stablecoin, USDC would typically be associated with lower volatility, yet safety concerns remain prominent. Search behaviour suggests that trust and reliability are key considerations, particularly in uncertain market conditions.
7. Aave (AAVE)
- Most searched query: Aave price prediction
- Total searches: 236.2K
- Holders: 187.4K
Aave investors are primarily focused on forecasting returns rather than questioning safety. This indicates a more strategic outlook, with attention centred on performance potential within the DeFi sector.
8. Polkadot (DOT)
- Most searched query: Polkadot price prediction
- Total searches: 1.8M
- Holders: 1.8M
Polkadot displays a balanced level of engagement, with search volume closely aligned to its holder base. Investor interest appears steady, with curiosity focused on future price movement rather than immediate risk.
9. Chainlink (LINK)
- Most searched query: Is Chainlink safe to invest
- Total searches: 764.1K
- Holders: 761.8K
Chainlink investors show a cautious stance, with safety concerns slightly outweighing price speculation. This reflects a more measured approach, particularly given its role in broader blockchain infrastructure.
10. Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Most searched query: Is Dogecoin safe to invest
- Total searches: 6.5M
- Holders: 8.6M
Dogecoin remains widely held, but investor searches suggest underlying uncertainty about its reliability. Despite its popularity, concerns about long-term sustainability continue to shape sentiment.
Atmos CEO Nick Cooke said: ” Investors are asking ‘will it go up’ because they plan to hold, not because they plan to sell. That is a crucial distinction. Price anxiety is a sign of engagement. Safety anxiety is a sign of doubt. The first is normal. The second is a problem. Right now, most of the anxiety is about price, not safety.”
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