
'We Are Still Early': Insights from Morgan Stanley's Intern Survey on Crypto and AI
Despite Bitcoin exceeding $100,000, only a small fraction of interns engage with cryptocurrencies, revealing a significant gap in adoption compared to AI technologies.
Overview
The phrase ‘we are still early’ is prominent in the crypto realm in 2025. It indicates a belief that even with Bitcoin’s price jumping past $100,000, the general uptake of digital assets remains minimal.
Morgan Stanley’s recent survey, conducted between June 10-27 in North America and June 26 - July 7 in Europe, revealed that only 18% of respondents have engaged with cryptocurrencies, marking a rise from the previous year’s 13%. Interest in digital assets has seen a slight increase to 26% from 23%. However, a significant 55% of interns still show no interest, down from 63% in the last survey.
Cryptocurrency Adoption Trends
- Bitcoin’s price surpassed $100,000, yet cryptocurrency ownership among interns is limited, indicating the need for broader adoption.
- Interest in Bitcoin ETFs has surged, accumulating $53.7 billion in investor wealth since January of the previous year.
AI Integration Among Interns
The survey highlights that 96% of interns in the U.S. and 91% in Europe utilize AI technology, indicating a stronger acceptance compared to that of cryptocurrencies.
Perception of Humanoids
Most interns show interest in humanoids, advanced machines mimicking human behavior. However, they are also wary of the societal implications, with over 60% of U.S. interns and 69% of Europeans finding potential benefits, but fewer believing in their positive impact on society.
Overall, while cryptocurrency interest is growing, it still lags behind the technology and familiarity with AI. The report projects a robust future for both sectors, yet adoption rates indicate much room for growth.