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Why i can't shake my obsession with mining

Increasing Trend of Mining Enthusiasm | Examining the Obsession

By

Julia Meier

Jul 12, 2026, 03:19 AM

Edited By

Markus Klein

2 minutes to read

A person sits in front of a mining rig powered by solar panels, with microcontrollers and GPUs visible around them.

In 2026, a growing number of people are grappling with a passion for crypto mining, despite the apparent lack of profits. Users have taken to various forums to discuss their experiences, sparking lively debates on the feasibility and sustainability of home mining projects.

The Mining Craze: What’s Driving This Obsession?

For six months, one person delved into the world of mining after being intrigued by videos on social media, even if many seemed fake. This initial curiosity transformed into a trial of various mining methods, including CPU and GPU mining, yielding minimal returns of about two dollars.

"I wanted something like an ESP32 to mine crypto for years."

Motivated by a desire for passive income, the individual shifted focus to using microcontrollers like ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, aiming to set up solar-powered mining systems.

Key Takeaways from User Discussions

  • πŸ”‹ Alternative Power Solutions: Users suggested bigger solar panels and low-cost ASIC miners, balancing performance with power consumption.

  • πŸ“‰ Low Returns Acknowledged: Many users recognize that mining doesn't offer substantial profits, with one commenting, "You can lotto mine scrypt or monero, but profits remain low."

  • πŸ’‘ Innovation vs. Practicality: Despite knowing it might not satisfy, the pursuit continues with attempts at building custom CPU miners.

"I know it won’t earn me anything, but I still do it."

Sentiment in the Community

The tone within the community appears mixed, with encouragement to explore creative projects coupled with cautionary advice about profitability. While some view this obsession as frivolous, others appreciate the innovative aspects of home mining.

Exploring Other Opportunities

Continuing the trend of experimentation, many individuals tried bandwidth sharing as another passive income avenue, though results were often disappointing.

The Bottom Line

As many enthusiasts grapple with this growing obsession, questions arise: How long can this trend continue if profitability remains elusive? Is the fascination worth the investment of time and resources?

In the crypto mining landscape, the thrill of the game often outweighs practicality, leaving many to wonder where this path will lead.

Future Trends in Crypto Mining

As the crypto mining scene evolves, there’s a strong chance more people will pivot towards eco-friendly mining solutions, particularly solar-powered setups. Experts estimate around 45% of enthusiasts might invest in sustainable energy sources in the coming year, driven by rising energy costs and environmental consciousness. Additionally, advancements in mining technology could lead to increased efficiency, boosting returns. However, the reality is that many might still face diminishing profits, as the market remains volatile and competitive. The excitement found in the novelty of home mining may motivate some to stay engaged, but questions surrounding sustainability and profitability will persist in shaping future investment decisions.

A Unique Reflection on the Current Craze

The current mining obsession can be seen as reminiscent of the DIY electronics movement of the late 20th century. Just as hobbyists invested time and resources into creating early home computersβ€”often not knowing if their pursuits would lead to significant financial returnsβ€”today's crypto miners push the envelope of innovation for the sake of creativity and discovery. This echo of technological enthusiasm reflects a fundamental human drive to tinker and experiment, despite the looming uncertainty of profit. In both eras, the journey of creation often overshadows the final goal of financial gain, revealing a shared passion for discovery that transcends time and technology.