Google Search Study Hints at ‘Shady Truth’ of Bitcoin Users

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have published a new paper examining the characteristics of US bitcoin users based on an analysis of Google search data.
The paper, titled “Characteristics of Bitcoin Users: An Analysis of Google Search Data’, resulted in some rather controversial conclusions about the types of people that appear to be using the digital currency. However, even the researchers admit little is known about the average bitcoin user due to the lack of systematic data collection and blockchain pseudo-anonymity.
Dr Aaron Yelowitz and Matthew Wilson, who carried out the study, also emphasised that search query interest does not necessarily imply active participation.
‘Our research finds that two Google search terms – related to computer programming enthusiasts and possible illegal activity (‘Silk Road’) – are statistically related to search interest in bitcoin. With any search query, it is not possible to conclusively figure out the underlying motivations of the audience, or the exact composition of the audience,” Yelowitz told CoinDesk.

This post was published at Coin Desk on November 5, 2014.

Comments are closed.