FUD Takes Over Crypto Social Media in Retail Sale: Santiment

Fear, uncertainty and doubt have once again taken over crypto social media following a bout of panic selling by weak-handed retailers.

“FUD has taken over social media,” following Bitcoin’s 16% decline over the past week, blockchain analytics firm Santiment said on Monday.

The crash was “a result of retailers selling off their bags,” it stated, before adding that “this is yet more evidence that markets are moving in the opposite direction to the crowd’s narrative.”

“Negative reports on crypto continue to pour in, with social data suggesting this is the most bearish the retail sector has been since the November 21 crash.”

The crypto markets fell 19% in November, with $680 billion leaving the space. By comparison, the recent crash was shallower, with a 14% decline and a $440 billion exodus, but has sent markets back to the April 2025 low.

A relief rally in sight?

“In most cases there is a sense of relief after major negative times like these,” Santiment said. “So far, this rebound looks encouragingly similar to the previous two post-FUD cases.”

However, there are few signs of recovery yet: Bitcoin is still trading at a nine-month low around $78,000 and Ether is being wiped out at a bear market low around $2,300.

😠 FUD has taken over social media following Bitcoin’s -16% since January 28th. After falling to $74.6K, $BTC has risen again to $78.3K due to retailers selling their bags. This is more evidence that the markets are moving in the opposite direction of the crowd’s narratives.… pic.twitter.com/NDffU98ZWM

— Santiment (@santimentfeed) February 2, 2026

CryptoQuant Analyst ‘Darkfost’ accused October’s record leverage, saying the event “is really the one that pushed BTC into a bear market.”

“Liquidity destruction in an already uncertain crypto market environment is not conducive to a return of speculation, which is nevertheless an important part of the crypto market.”

Analyst ‘Sykodelic’ was bullish, noticing that this week’s rise in manufacturing PMI data is a positive sign for the economy.

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“We are not in a bear market and will not go down and experience a 75% retracement in the next ten months. The cycle is gearing up for expansion, not end.”

Bitcoin at major support level

“Major support level at $74,000, which will be the main thing to watch in the coming week(s),” said analyst ‘Daan Crypto Trades.’ Sweeps would be OK, but closures below that point would “create even more problems,” he added.

“Overall, it’s easy to see how the market structure has shifted bearishly on the higher time frame as well, with the bearish rejection at $98K and this latest leg to the downside.”

BTC was trading at $78,500 at the time of writing, down 11% on the week and 10% since the beginning of the year.