Today, numerous FinTech
tools and applications interact with online entertainment, which young
digital natives access independently on a daily basis. Focusing on
Generation Z (individuals born between 2000 and 2012), the level of
knowledge and awareness regarding exposure to online financial
instruments remains extremely limited. This study examines young
people’s perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward
cryptocurrencies, with a specific focus on the role played by informal
information channels (such as social media, online platforms, and peer
wordof- mouth) compared to formal contexts (schools and families). The
empirical findings show high awareness of cryptocurrencies (over 80% of
respondents), primarily driven by social networks and YouTube,
alongside a strong interest in purchasing driven by prospective gains.
However, this interest contrasts with low financial literacy and a
limited awareness of the associated risks (such as scams and regulatory
ambiguity). The study highlights how informal channels significantly
shape purchase intentions and underscores the urgent need for
structured financial education programs within institutional settings.
