Ben McKenzie, star of The O.C., isn’t just skeptical about cryptocurrency; he thinks it thrives because of male loneliness. At the first WIRED@Night event, McKenzie discussed his new documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, which explores crypto’s appeal in a world where digital interactions sometimes feel empty.

The actor-director believes that crypto offers a substitute for real-world community and connection—a kind of extreme online gambling. With the rise of coronavirus, this virtual escape gained mainstream traction. McKenzie argues that it’s not just about money; it's about the human desire for belonging.

McKenzie isn’t alone in his observations. WIRED senior correspondent Andy Greenberg, known for writing about crypto scams, joined him to dissect scenes from McKenzie’s book and film. They explored how places like El Salvador have become crypto hubs, fueled by a mix of economic necessity and technological optimism.

The event at Ace Hotel Brooklyn saw around 100 people pondering the future of cryptocurrency in drinks from diverse bars. For McKenzie, it was not just about the tech but the underlying human needs it addresses—needs that sometimes go unmet in our digital age.