Cryptocurrencies have been making headlines for several years now, with many investors seeing them as the future of money. However, despite their growing popularity, cryptocurrencies have not yet been adopted by mainstream investors on a large scale.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why cryptocurrencies may never be fully adopted by mainstream investors. From volatility and lack of regulation to complexity and security risks, there are a variety of factors that make cryptocurrencies a difficult investment for many people. While there are certainly benefits to investing in cryptocurrencies, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks before jumping into the market. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the challenges facing cryptocurrencies and why they may not be the right investment for everyone.
The Volatility Problem
One of the most significant challenges facing cryptocurrencies is their extreme level of volatility. Cryptocurrencies are known for their sudden and drastic price fluctuations, which can make them difficult to invest in with confidence. While some investors may view this volatility as an opportunity for high returns, many others see it as a major risk factor.
Volatility can be caused by a variety of factors, including market manipulation, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. For example, Elon Musk’s tweets about Bitcoin have been known to cause sudden price movements, as have regulatory decisions from governments around the world. Additionally, the high degree of speculation in the cryptocurrency market can lead to sudden price changes, making it difficult to predict the future value of cryptocurrencies.
Mainstream investors, such as institutional investors and large financial institutions, typically have a lower tolerance for risk than individual investors. They may be more cautious about investing in a market that is as volatile as the cryptocurrency market. This can limit the appeal of cryptocurrencies to mainstream investors, who may prefer more stable investments.
Overall, the volatility problem associated with cryptocurrencies can be a major obstacle for their adoption by mainstream investors. While some investors may be willing to take on the risk, many others may be deterred by the uncertainty and unpredictability of the cryptocurrency market.
Complexity
Another major challenge facing cryptocurrencies is their complexity. Cryptocurrencies and the underlying blockchain technology can be difficult to understand for the average investor, who may not have a technical background or a deep understanding of finance.
The technical jargon and concepts associated with cryptocurrencies can be overwhelming for many people, making it difficult for them to make informed investment decisions. Additionally, the technology is constantly evolving, with new cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects being introduced on a regular basis. This can make it difficult for investors to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends.
Furthermore, the process of buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies can be complex and confusing for the average investor. Unlike traditional investments, cryptocurrencies require a high degree of technical knowledge and experience to navigate effectively.
This complexity can limit the appeal of cryptocurrencies to mainstream investors, who may prefer investments that are easier to understand and manage. The lack of understanding and familiarity with cryptocurrencies can also lead to skepticism and mistrust, which can further deter investors from entering the market.
While there are certainly benefits to investing in cryptocurrencies, the complexity associated with them can be a significant obstacle to their adoption by mainstream investors. It will be important for the industry to find ways to simplify the technology and make it more accessible to a broader range of investors if it hopes to gain wider acceptance.
Security Risks
One of the biggest concerns facing cryptocurrencies is their security risks. Cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government or financial institution, which means that they are vulnerable to hacking, theft, and fraud.
The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies can make them particularly susceptible to attacks. For example, if a hacker gains access to a user’s private key, they can easily transfer the user’s funds to their own account without any way for the user to recover their funds. Additionally, exchanges and wallets that store cryptocurrencies can be targeted by hackers, leading to massive losses for investors.
Moreover, since the cryptocurrency market is largely unregulated, there is a lack of investor protection mechanisms in place. In the event of fraud or theft, investors may not have any recourse to recover their funds or hold the responsible parties accountable.
The security risks associated with cryptocurrencies can be a major deterrent for mainstream investors, who are typically more risk-averse and prioritize the safety of their investments. It is crucial for the cryptocurrency industry to address these concerns and implement stronger security measures to protect investors.
While there have been efforts to improve security in the cryptocurrency market, such as the use of multi-factor authentication and cold storage for funds, these measures may not be enough to fully address the risks. As long as security remains a major concern for investors, cryptocurrencies may struggle to gain wider acceptance in the mainstream investment world.
Limited Acceptance
Limited acceptance is another challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. While the number of merchants and businesses accepting cryptocurrencies has grown in recent years, it is still a relatively small percentage compared to traditional payment methods.
This lack of acceptance can make it difficult for investors to use their cryptocurrency holdings to make purchases or transactions in their daily lives. Without a wide range of merchants and businesses accepting cryptocurrencies, investors may find it difficult to convert their cryptocurrency holdings into goods and services, limiting the utility and value of their investments.
Additionally, the lack of acceptance from major financial institutions and government entities can limit the legitimacy and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. Many traditional financial institutions have been slow to embrace cryptocurrencies, with some even outright rejecting them as a valid investment option.
The limited acceptance of cryptocurrencies can also lead to price fluctuations and market volatility. Since the demand for cryptocurrencies is largely driven by investor sentiment and speculation, the lack of widespread acceptance can limit the demand and value of these investments.
While there are certainly benefits to investing in cryptocurrencies, the limited acceptance can be a major obstacle to their adoption by mainstream investors. For cryptocurrencies to gain wider acceptance, it will be important for the industry to address the concerns and skepticism of traditional financial institutions and work towards increasing the number of merchants and businesses accepting cryptocurrencies as a valid form of payment.
Lack of Trust
The lack of trust is a major obstacle facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies are still a relatively new and untested investment option, and many investors may be skeptical about their potential as a long-term investment.
Furthermore, the lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market can further erode trust in these investments. The absence of oversight and investor protections can make it difficult for investors to feel confident in the safety and legitimacy of their investments.
In addition, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies can lead to uncertainty and mistrust. Unlike traditional investments, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government or financial institution, which can make them feel less secure to investors.
The lack of trust in cryptocurrencies can also be fueled by their association with illicit activities, such as money laundering and illegal purchases on darknet marketplaces. This can lead to negative perceptions of cryptocurrencies and further deter mainstream investors from entering the market.
To gain wider acceptance and adoption by mainstream investors, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards building trust and legitimacy. This may involve increased regulation and oversight, as well as efforts to address concerns about security and illegal activities.
While there are certainly risks and challenges associated with cryptocurrencies, there are also opportunities for growth and innovation in the industry. By addressing the issues that limit their adoption by mainstream investors, cryptocurrencies may be able to establish themselves as a viable and valuable investment option in the future.
Lack of Liquidity
Lack of liquidity is another factor that may limit the adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream investors. Liquidity refers to the ability to buy or sell an asset quickly and at a fair price. In the case of cryptocurrencies, the lack of liquidity can make it difficult for investors to enter or exit the market in a timely and efficient manner.
The liquidity of cryptocurrencies can be affected by a number of factors, including low trading volumes, fragmented markets, and the lack of established market makers. This can lead to high bid-ask spreads and market volatility, which can make it difficult for investors to execute trades at the desired price.
Additionally, the lack of liquidity in the cryptocurrency market can limit the utility and value of these investments. Without a deep and liquid market, cryptocurrencies may struggle to serve as a store of value or medium of exchange, which can limit their adoption and legitimacy as an investment option.
While the liquidity of the cryptocurrency market has improved in recent years, there is still significant room for growth and development. To improve the liquidity of cryptocurrencies, the industry will need to focus on improving market infrastructure and increasing the participation of institutional investors.
Institutional investors, such as hedge funds and asset managers, can play a critical role in increasing liquidity by bringing greater capital and stability to the market. As more institutional investors enter the market, it is likely that liquidity will improve, which could help to increase the adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream investors.
Overall, the lack of liquidity in the cryptocurrency market can be a significant hurdle to the adoption of these investments by mainstream investors. While there is potential for growth and development, it will be important for the industry to address these challenges to improve the liquidity and legitimacy of cryptocurrencies as an investment option.
Lack of Insurance
The lack of insurance is another challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Unlike traditional investments, cryptocurrencies are not typically insured by government or private insurance programs, which can leave investors vulnerable to losses in the event of theft or hacking.
While some cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets offer their own insurance programs, these may not provide the same level of protection as traditional investment insurance. This can make it difficult for investors to feel confident in the safety and security of their cryptocurrency holdings, which can limit their adoption and legitimacy as an investment option.
Furthermore, the lack of insurance can lead to greater market volatility and uncertainty. In the event of a major security breach or theft, the resulting losses can have a ripple effect throughout the market, leading to panic selling and decreased demand for cryptocurrencies.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards developing better insurance options and investor protections. This may involve working with traditional insurers and government agencies to establish more comprehensive insurance programs and regulations for the cryptocurrency market.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize security and risk management to prevent theft and hacking, which can help to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors.
While the lack of insurance is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is not an insurmountable one. By working to address these concerns and build greater protections for investors, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to establish itself as a viable and valuable investment option in the future.
Lack of Transparency
Lack of transparency is another significant challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies are often associated with anonymous and pseudonymous transactions, which can make it difficult to track and monitor these investments.
This lack of transparency can make it difficult for investors to assess the true value and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and mitigate risks. Additionally, the lack of transparency can make it easier for fraudulent activities and market manipulation to occur, which can damage the reputation and legitimacy of the cryptocurrency market.
Moreover, the decentralized and unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies can make it difficult for investors to access reliable and trustworthy information about the market. This lack of reliable data can lead to increased uncertainty and risk, which can further limit the adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream investors.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards increasing transparency and accountability in the market. This may involve working with regulators and financial institutions to establish better reporting standards and data sharing practices, as well as developing new technologies and tools to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help investors better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify fraudulent activities and market manipulation.
While the lack of transparency is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater transparency and accountability, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option.
Lack of Regulation
Lack of regulation is a significant challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies operate outside of the traditional regulatory frameworks that govern traditional investments, which can make them more susceptible to fraud, manipulation, and other illegal activities.
The lack of regulation can also make it difficult for investors to assess the true value and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and mitigate risks. Additionally, the lack of regulation can lead to greater market volatility and uncertainty, which can make it difficult for mainstream investors to feel confident in the stability and long-term viability of cryptocurrencies as an investment option.
Moreover, the lack of regulation can make it difficult for cryptocurrencies to integrate into existing financial systems and structures, which can limit their acceptance and adoption by mainstream investors and institutions.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards greater regulation and oversight. This may involve working with regulators and financial institutions to establish new rules and frameworks for the cryptocurrency market, as well as developing new technologies and tools to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help investors better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and report illegal activities and fraud in the market.
While the lack of regulation is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater regulation and oversight, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option.
Market Manipulation
Market manipulation is a major concern for cryptocurrencies, and it is one of the key reasons why mainstream investors may be hesitant to invest in them. Cryptocurrency markets are still relatively small and can be easily influenced by a small number of players with large amounts of capital, making them vulnerable to manipulation.
The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, while a benefit in many respects, can also make it difficult to identify and prevent market manipulation. Additionally, the lack of regulation and transparency can create an environment that is conducive to market manipulation.
Manipulation can take many forms, including “pump and dump” schemes, where individuals or groups artificially inflate the price of a cryptocurrency through false information or other means, and then sell off their holdings at a profit. Other forms of manipulation can include spoofing, where traders place large orders with no intention of executing them, to create the illusion of market demand or supply.
The prevalence of market manipulation in the cryptocurrency market can make it difficult for mainstream investors to feel confident in the stability and reliability of the market. It can also create a perception that the market is dominated by insiders and that it is difficult for outsiders to succeed.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards greater transparency, regulation, and oversight. This may involve working with regulators and financial institutions to establish new rules and frameworks for the cryptocurrency market, as well as developing new technologies and tools to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help investors better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and report illegal activities and market manipulation.
While market manipulation is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater transparency, regulation, and oversight, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option.
Lack of Stability
Lack of stability is another challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies are known for their high levels of volatility, which can make them a risky investment option, particularly for more conservative investors.
The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time, which can make it difficult for investors to predict their returns or to make informed decisions about buying or selling. Additionally, the lack of stability can make it difficult for cryptocurrencies to function as a reliable store of value or medium of exchange, which can limit their potential applications in the wider economy.
The high levels of volatility in the cryptocurrency market can be attributed to a number of factors, including market speculation, hype, and news events. Additionally, the lack of regulation and oversight can create an environment that is more prone to speculation and manipulation, which can further exacerbate volatility in the market.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards greater stability and predictability. This may involve working with regulators and financial institutions to establish new rules and frameworks for the cryptocurrency market, as well as developing new technologies and tools to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help investors better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and manage their exposure to volatility.
While the lack of stability is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater stability and predictability, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option.
Scalability Issues
Scalability is another issue facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. As the popularity of cryptocurrencies has grown, so has the demand for their use in everyday transactions. However, most cryptocurrencies currently struggle to handle large transaction volumes, which can lead to slow processing times and high transaction fees.
The issue of scalability is particularly acute for Bitcoin, which has struggled to handle large volumes of transactions due to limitations in its design. While the Bitcoin community has attempted to address this challenge through the implementation of scaling solutions such as the Lightning Network, these solutions have not yet been widely adopted, and the underlying scalability issues remain.
Other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, have also struggled with scalability issues, particularly as the popularity of decentralized applications built on the Ethereum platform has grown.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to continue to invest in research and development to improve the scalability of cryptocurrencies. This may involve the development of new protocols, such as sharding, which can enable blockchains to process transactions more efficiently. Additionally, it may involve the development of new layer-two solutions, such as state channels, which can enable faster and cheaper transactions.
Improving scalability will be critical for the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly as the demand for their use in everyday transactions continues to grow. While the challenge of scalability is certainly significant, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater scalability, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a reliable and efficient payment option.
Lack of Accountability
Lack of accountability is another challenge facing cryptocurrencies that may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies are designed to operate in a decentralized and trustless environment, which can make it difficult to hold individuals or organizations accountable for fraudulent or illegal activities.
In traditional financial systems, there are established institutions and regulations that provide oversight and accountability, such as central banks and financial regulators. However, in the cryptocurrency space, there is no central authority that can provide this oversight, which can create a lack of accountability and transparency.
This lack of accountability can make it easier for bad actors to engage in fraudulent or illegal activities, such as money laundering, tax evasion, and market manipulation. Additionally, the lack of accountability can make it difficult for investors to seek recourse in the event of fraud or other illegal activities, which can erode confidence in the entire system.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards greater accountability and transparency. This may involve the development of new tools and technologies to track and monitor cryptocurrency transactions, as well as the establishment of new regulations and oversight mechanisms to provide greater accountability and protection for investors.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help investors better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and manage their exposure to fraudulent or illegal activities.
While the lack of accountability is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed with the right strategies and investments. By working towards greater accountability and transparency, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option.
Lack of Support Services
Another challenge facing cryptocurrencies is the lack of support services, which may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Unlike traditional financial systems, where customers can rely on customer support services provided by banks and other financial institutions, cryptocurrencies lack the same level of support infrastructure.
For example, if an investor loses their private key or has their cryptocurrency stolen, there is often little recourse for recovering the lost funds. Additionally, the complex nature of cryptocurrency transactions can make it difficult for investors to navigate the system without technical expertise, leading to confusion and potential errors.
Furthermore, the lack of support services can also make it difficult for businesses to integrate cryptocurrencies into their operations. For example, merchants may struggle to implement the necessary technology to accept cryptocurrency payments, or to handle the complexities of managing their cryptocurrency holdings.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to invest in the development of new support services to help users navigate the complexities of the system. This may involve the creation of user-friendly interfaces and customer support services, as well as the development of new security tools and protocols to protect users from theft and other malicious activities.
Additionally, the industry will need to prioritize education and outreach to help users better understand the risks and potential of cryptocurrencies, as well as to identify and manage their exposure to fraudulent or illegal activities.
By addressing the challenge of support services, the cryptocurrency industry may be able to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors, and establish itself as a reliable and user-friendly payment option.
Lack of Tangibility
Another challenge facing cryptocurrencies is the lack of tangibility, which may limit their adoption by mainstream investors. Cryptocurrencies are entirely digital assets that exist only in the virtual realm, and they lack the physical form and tangible characteristics of traditional assets like stocks or commodities.
This lack of tangibility can make it difficult for investors to understand the intrinsic value of cryptocurrencies, and may also make them more susceptible to volatile market conditions. Additionally, the intangible nature of cryptocurrencies can create a perception of risk, as investors may feel that they have little control over their assets or that they are vulnerable to hacking or other malicious activities.
Moreover, the lack of tangibility can make it difficult for cryptocurrencies to function as a store of value, which is a critical characteristic of traditional investment assets like gold or real estate. Investors generally prefer assets that are stable and predictable, and the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies can make them less attractive as a long-term investment option.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards creating greater awareness and understanding of the intrinsic value of cryptocurrencies. This may involve the development of new educational resources and outreach programs to help investors better understand the underlying technology and value proposition of cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, the industry may need to focus on developing new use cases and applications for cryptocurrencies that can demonstrate their value as a practical and tangible investment option. For example, the use of cryptocurrencies in cross-border transactions and remittances can provide a real-world application that can help to establish their value as a practical investment option.
While the lack of tangibility is certainly a challenge facing cryptocurrencies, it is one that can be addressed through education and the development of new use cases and applications. By demonstrating the practical value of cryptocurrencies, the industry may be able to overcome the perception of risk and establish itself as a legitimate and valuable investment option for mainstream investors.
Unpredictable Future
Another reason why cryptocurrencies may struggle to be adopted by mainstream investors is the unpredictable nature of their future. Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new and rapidly evolving technology, and it is difficult to predict their long-term viability and stability. While some investors may be drawn to the potential gains that cryptocurrencies can offer, others may be deterred by the perceived risks associated with investing in a rapidly evolving and unpredictable market.
Additionally, the future of cryptocurrencies is closely tied to regulatory and legal developments, which are difficult to predict. The lack of regulatory clarity and the potential for new regulations or legal challenges can make it difficult for investors to make informed decisions about the potential risks and rewards of investing in cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, the rise of alternative digital assets and technologies can also pose a threat to the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies. While cryptocurrencies were once seen as the future of digital assets, new technologies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized finance (DeFi) have emerged as potential competitors.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to work towards creating greater regulatory clarity and stability. This may involve engaging with policymakers and regulatory bodies to help establish clear guidelines for the industry and address concerns around issues such as money laundering and market manipulation.
Additionally, the industry will need to focus on developing new technologies and use cases that can help establish the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies. This may involve exploring new applications for blockchain technology beyond the realm of financial transactions, such as supply chain management or digital identity verification.
While the unpredictable future of cryptocurrencies is certainly a challenge facing the industry, it is one that can be addressed through greater collaboration and innovation. By working towards greater regulatory clarity and developing new use cases and technologies, the industry may be able to establish itself as a valuable and stable investment option for mainstream investors.
Lack of Stability in the Underlying Technology
Another challenge facing the adoption of cryptocurrencies by mainstream investors is the lack of stability in the underlying technology. Cryptocurrencies rely on complex and rapidly evolving technology, such as blockchain, which can be subject to bugs, glitches, and security vulnerabilities. This instability can create significant risks for investors who may be wary of investing in a technology that is not fully mature and tested.
Additionally, the lack of stability in the underlying technology can make it difficult for businesses and organizations to adopt cryptocurrencies as a viable payment option. Payment processing systems require a high degree of stability and reliability to ensure that transactions are processed securely and efficiently. The lack of stability in the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies can make it difficult for businesses to ensure that payments will be processed accurately and in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the lack of stability in the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies can create challenges for developers and other stakeholders in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The rapidly evolving nature of the technology can make it difficult for developers to keep up with new developments and implement changes effectively.
To address this challenge, the cryptocurrency industry will need to focus on developing greater stability and reliability in the underlying technology. This may involve investing in research and development to identify and address bugs and vulnerabilities, as well as establishing best practices for software development and testing.
Additionally, the industry may need to work towards establishing greater collaboration and standardization across different cryptocurrency projects to ensure that the technology is compatible and can be integrated seamlessly with other systems and applications.
By addressing the lack of stability in the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, the industry may be able to establish greater confidence and trust among mainstream investors and businesses, ultimately leading to greater adoption and mainstream acceptance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention and popularity in recent years, there are a number of significant challenges facing their adoption by mainstream investors. These challenges range from issues of volatility and complexity to concerns over security, regulation, and stability in the underlying technology.
Despite these challenges, many advocates of cryptocurrencies argue that the technology holds significant promise for disrupting traditional financial systems and democratizing access to financial services. However, it is clear that for cryptocurrencies to achieve mainstream adoption and acceptance, the industry will need to address the many challenges facing its growth and development.
This will likely involve significant investments in research and development, collaboration, and standardization, as well as efforts to build greater trust and confidence among mainstream investors and businesses. Ultimately, the future of cryptocurrencies remains unpredictable, and only time will tell whether they will continue to gain popularity and acceptance among mainstream investors, or whether they will remain a niche technology with limited adoption.