Bitcoin is having its Covid moment.

The gain of function mutation in Core v30 that removes the default OP_RETURN relay policy size limit has resulted in an environment in bitcoin culture that closely mirrors the Covid era.

The threat of the spam virus has turned normally level-headed, sane bitcoiners into hysterical hypochondriacs with a touch of authoritarianism.

One side advocates for mask mandates and quarantines, while the other side hosts superspreader parties in brazen mockery.

I’ve seen public shaming, baseless virtue signaling, shameless moral superiority, and even appeals to law enforcement to arrest offending opponents.

Each side parrots the party line, taking cues from their respective authority figures, and using language they just learned a week ago as if they’ve been experts all along.

I’ve spent countless hours sifting through the noise, doing my best to fairly consider each argument. My perspective is this: Filters are like wearing a mask when you walk through a restaurant, only to take it off when you sit down. Masks don’t stop the virus, but if it makes you feel better, then go for it.

However, there’s a wave of mass hysteria spreading, where reason and thoughtfulness has been overcome by a fever of existential crisis. And as it was during Covid, this lockdown-style reaction is way worse than the disease you’re fighting.

Bitcoin will be just fine. It is healthy, fit, strong, and has a great immune system. The best thing you can do is get some fresh air and some exercise. This is not an existential threat in any way, and we shouldn’t treat it that way.