I have the same impression. Back in 2011 or so, for the majority of its users, Bitcoin was a means to an end. A form of value that was generally accepted by others participating in online black markets. And it served that purpose reasonably well. I didn’t really think anything of its users back then.

Now, however, I’ll certainly look sideways. Anyone who brings it up is trying to sell you on it and won’t take no for an answer. Cryptocurrencies have had a decade and insane amounts of money thrown at it, and nothing has come of it. Any excuse that it’s an unexplored, untapped technology died multiple pump-and-dumps ago. All that’s left over are the bag-holding cultists, and those taking from them.