Google searches for ‘Bitcoin going to zero’ at highest since 2022

CoinTelegraph

by Christina Comben

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google searches for "Bitcoin going to zero" have surged to their highest level since the FTX collapse in 2022, reflecting heightened concerns about the cryptocurrency's future. This trend coincides with Bitcoin's sharp decline from its all-time high of nearly $126,000 in October to around $66,500 as of Thursday, marking a 50% drop from its peak. The Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index has also plummeted to extreme fear levels near 9, reminiscent of the lows seen during the Terra ecosystem collapse and FTX fallout. The spike in negative sentiment comes despite institutional buyers continuing to accumulate Bitcoin, with large-scale purchases signaling confidence among whales. However, macroeconomic uncertainty appears to be at record highs, fueling investor anxiety. This divergence between institutional activity and retail fear highlights a complex market dynamic, where optimism from major players contrasts sharply with public skepticism. This situation matters because it underscores the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets and the role of sentiment in driving price movements. While institutional buying suggests long-term confidence in Bitcoin's viability, the surge in despair-related searches indicates widespread concern about its short-term trajectory. For crypto investors, this highlights the importance of balancing market trends with broader economic factors when assessing risk and opportunity.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/19/2026