'Bitcoin Going to Zero' Google Searches Rise With Crypto Sentiment in the Dumps
Decrypt
by Logan HitchcockFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bitcoin's recent decline has sparked a surge in searches questioning its future viability, with terms like "Bitcoin going to zero" and "Is Bitcoin dead?" reaching their highest levels since 2022. This trend reflects the broader sentiment of "Extreme Fear" in the cryptocurrency market, as measured by the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, which has hit its lowest mark since 2019. Bitcoin's price dropped around 0.6% on Thursday, down over 47% from its October all-time high of $126,890, trading at approximately $66,561.
The rising search trends and market sentiment underscore investor uncertainty and concern about the cryptocurrency's trajectory. Predictors on platforms like Myriad Markets and Polymarket suggest a higher likelihood of Bitcoin dropping to lower levels, such as $55,000 or $60,000, rather than rebounding to higher prices like $84,000 or $80,000. Experts like CryptoQuant analysts predict that Bitcoin could fall to its "ultimate bear market bottom" at $55,000 before potentially recovering.
Despite the gloomy outlook, prominent crypto advocates like Michael Saylor of Strategy remain bullish on Bitcoin's long-term prospects. Saylor's firm continues to accumulate Bitcoin, with a current stash valued at $47 billion, and he remains confident in Bitcoin's resilience despite short-term challenges.
This heightened fear and uncertainty highlight the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market and the ongoing struggle for investor confidence. As Bitcoin continues to navigate its downward trend, the focus on whether it will reach zero or stabilize at lower levels underscores the broader risks and opportunities in the crypto space.
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/19/2026