Meme coins aren’t just speculative assets. They have slowly started representing a symbolic rebellion against established financial norms, aligning with the demographic and ideological shifts shaping modern markets, as highlighted by Binance Research’s latest report.

Since 2022, the collective market cap of meme coins, measured as a share of Total 3 (the crypto market excluding BTC, ETH, and stablecoins), has nearly tripled from 4% to 11%, driven in part by a sense of financial disillusionment and a search for alternative investments amid rising inflation.

What’s Driving Meme Coins?

From 2020 to 2022, the global money supply surged by over 25%, rising from $81 trillion to $102 trillion. This rapid increase in the global money supply has led many to seek refuge in assets that they perceive to have long-term value to preserve wealth. Real estate is a classic example because it has historically served as a store of value.

Yet, homeownership has become less attainable, with wages failing to match escalating housing prices, a disparity particularly challenging for younger generations.

This economic reality has fostered what Binance Research terms “financial nihilism,” as younger investors, hit by affordability crises and unprecedented inflation, grow skeptical of traditional financial systems. Their dissatisfaction became evident during events like the 2021 Gamestop short squeeze, and meme coins today offer a similarly disruptive, decentralized alternative.

Meme coins have managed to create a similar kind of excitement that the cryptocurrency market generated during the 2017 ICO boom. Their appeal lies in unique accessibility; unlike complex Layer 2 solutions or DeFi products, meme coins present a clear, relatable narrative that everyday investors can easily grasp.

The simplicity of a meme-driven coin with a “cute or catchy” concept allows potential buyers to connect quickly, reducing the “time-to-convert” compared to more technical altcoins. This accelerated compr