Meme Coin

Definition ∞ A meme coin is a type of cryptocurrency that originates from internet jokes, popular culture references, or social media trends. These digital assets typically lack inherent utility or fundamental technological innovation. Their value is primarily driven by community sentiment, speculative trading, and viral marketing. They often gain significant attention in crypto news due to rapid price fluctuations.
Context ∞ The discussion surrounding meme coins often revolves around their speculative nature and the risks associated with their extreme price volatility. A key debate concerns whether these tokens contribute to broader crypto adoption or distract from projects with substantive technological foundations. Future trends may involve attempts to integrate actual utility into meme coins or increased regulatory scrutiny due to their pump-and-dump potential.