Ben McKenzie Discusses How Male Loneliness Contributes to Crypto's Popularity

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:02:00 +0200

At a WIRED@Night event on April 16, actor-director Ben McKenzie, known for his role in *The O.C.* and his skepticism toward cryptocurrency, shared insights about the relationship between male loneliness and the widespread appeal of crypto. McKenzie, who co-authored *Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud*, discussed his investigations into crypto culture. During the event, hosted at the Ace Hotel Brooklyn, McKenzie and WIRED senior correspondent Andy Greenberg explored how crypto has become a form of digital gambling, especially after the pandemic increased isolation. McKenzie emphasized that crypto's online communities offer a sense of belonging to individuals, particularly men, who may struggle with loneliness. This connection to a digital space that mimics community engagement is seen as one of the key drivers behind crypto's popularity. As part of the event, McKenzie read mean tweets about WIRED, offering a humorous take on public opinions about