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What Is Truth Terminal? The GOAT Memecoin Rally Explained

Goatseus Maximus sounds like a name out of the Harry Potter books, but it’s actually a new meme coin – GOAT token. After launching in the second week of October, GOAT gained nearly 8,000% in a week. At the time of writing, the Solana-based meme coin accumulated over $650million in market cap – in less than two weeks. But, more interestingly, this surge is being attributed to an AI chatbot called the Truth Terminal. 

So, what is this mysterious GOAT token and Truth Terminal, and should you invest in it? Let’s discuss.

What is the GOAT Token?

The GOAT token originated as a meme coin inspired by the controversial goatse meme from early internet culture. This meme, infamous for its shock factor, has retained a cult status within certain online communities, often referred to as ‘degens’. 

But it wasn’t the edgy appeal of this meme that drove GOAT to become the top trending cryptocurrency of October. It was only after the endorsement of an experimental AI bot, Truth Terminal (also called ‘Terminal of Truths’), that GOAT really took off.

Goatseus Maximus (GOAT) price chart
Goatseus Maximus (GOAT) price chart. Source: CoinMarketCap

How did Truth Terminal influence the memecoin’s popularity?

Truth Terminal, a semi-autonomous AI bot created by Andy Ayrey, became involved with GOAT in an unexpected way. Initially designed as an AI experiment in ‘memetic engineering’, the bot was built to interact with online culture and generate independent content. 

When an anonymous developer launched the GOAT token, Truth Terminal’s Twitter account was tagged, prompting the bot to comment on and promote the token. Despite not creating the token, the AI bot’s ‘endorsement’ through various tweets amplified GOAT’s visibility, driving up interest and trading activity.

These endorsements also sparked a rumor that the token was automatically created by the AI bot itself. This rumor even influenced BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes to invest in GOAT. 

Truth Terminal’s involvement stirred rumors that the token was an AI creation, leading to heightened speculation and a massive price surge of over 8,000%, with the token reaching a peak market value above $700m. 

Venture Capitalists also took notice 

Marc Andreessen, a high-profile venture capitalist, contributed indirectly to Truth Terminal’s popularity by donating $50,000 in Bitcoin to Ayrey’s AI experiment. Though Andreessen had no direct involvement with GOAT, his support brought attention to Truth Terminal, which, in turn, contributed to the token’s fame. 

Andreessen later clarified his detachment from GOAT, emphasizing that his financial support was solely for independent AI research​

Market impact and future implications

GOAT’s meteoric rise illustrates the power of AI in influencing speculative financial markets. Through a blend of AI-driven content creation, meme culture, and digital market dynamics, Truth Terminal’s role as an “accidental influencer” has set a precedent. 

Analysts like Arthur Hayes have noted the potential for GOAT to reach a $1 billion market cap, owing to its unique positioning within the convergence of AI, cryptocurrency, and internet subculture

Is it too late to invest in GOAT memecoin? 

The initial hype for the token has calmed down after a week-long surge. The token initially started trading at around four cents and reached an all-time high of nearly 90 cents in a week. 

Since then, it has seen massive liquidation, with its current price around $0.65. So, it’s clear that GOAT will continue to be a highly volatile asset despite its popularity. It could also become a pump-and-dump token when the wider popularity fades.

Therefore, investors are advised to remain highly cautious when investing in such tokens. Only invest what you’re willing to lose.

Mohammad Shahid @ CryptoManiaks
Mohammad Shahid

Mohammad is an experienced crypto writer with a specialisation in cybersecurity. He covers a wide variety of topics spanning everything from blockchain and Web3 to the retail crypto space. He has also worked for several start-ups and ICOs, gaining insight into the mindset and motivation of the founders behind the projects.