[streamofdigits]

If it was just a "scam" it would be easier to resolve this. Alas it is a complex and evolving mix of all sorts of factors:

* new software architectures based on cryptography and additional communication patterns (aka consensus) which may or may not have long term utility, but are "real"

* a loose "anti-systemic" ideology that is in part deserved but also part half-baked / / misinformed / delusional. In any case it creates lots of talking points in societies that are mismanaged and "angry"

* buy-in and (partial) legitimization from frustrated parties (eg NGO's) that want to "solve the world's problems" and think blockchain might be the tool to fix humanity's faults

* defensive engagement by systemic parties (the same people that have brought society to its knees) that want to embrace and extinguish (just in case it might actually work)

* opportunistic engagement by intermediaries that could not care less what "asset" they make a market in, provided they get a cut

* opportunistic engagement by marketeers that could not care less what channel they use, provided it generates some exposure for their clients (NFT)

* greedy techies that feel left out from the tech oligopolies and found an alternative exploitative path to riches (print your own money)

* a younger generation that is 1) flush with cash, 2) has never had experienced fleecing by smooth operators so has no behavioral immunity 3) thinks this is all very "tech-savvy" and modern and thus kosher

* actual scammers, that ride on all the above