Why learning crypto is like learning a language

Understanding blockchain is hard enough—but explaining it to others? That’s an entirely different challenge. Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are the bridge between complex crypto concepts and mainstream adoption, shaping how new users perceive and engage with web3. But what makes their communication effective, and why does it matter?

Maria Frackowiak, better known as Crypto Girl Dubai, is making waves in the crypto world with her beginner-friendly blockchain content. But just five years ago, she was starting from scratch—no savings, no clear plan, and no knowledge of crypto. Today, she’s a sought-after KOL in Dubai, teaching thousands how to navigate the crypto landscape. 

Speaking with The Crypto Radio, Frackowiak explained how simplifying blockchain language is crucial for onboarding the next wave of users.

“So I started from the very basics… like the gold standard, fiat standard, fiat money, hard money… then Bitcoin,” she said. “Start with money as a concept.”

Why crypto education needs to change

Before crypto, Frackowiak’s life revolved around extreme sports and marketing. But when the pandemic struck, she was forced to reassess her future. 

“I had no fixed job, I had no savings, I had no plan, I had no relationship, I basically had no foundation for the future life I wanted to live,” she recalled. That changed when her fiancé, Jacob, introduced her to blockchain.

Rather than jumping straight into trading, Frackowiak started from the ground up, beginning with the TV documentary Hidden Secrets of Money to understand the history of money, gold, and Bitcoin. This foundational knowledge allowed her to recognize the deeper implications of decentralization and financial sovereignty.

However, as she immersed herself in the industry, she noticed a major problem: crypto education was often too technical and filled with jargon that alienated newcomers. 

“We need to adjust the language. People don’t need a lecture on cryptography; they need a clear path to get started,” she said, likening learning crypto to learning a new language.“Imagine trying to explain Bitcoin to your grandmother using terms like ‘hash rates’ (the speed of solving complex equations to secure a blockchain) and ‘zero-knowledge proofs’ (verify information on a blockchain without revealing any details)”

Crypto influencers vs. token shillers

The crypto space is filled with influencers, but Frackowiak draws a sharp line between KOLs and token shillers. Instead of chasing viral moments, she focuses on building long-term trust by guiding followers through practical strategies.

“We need to distinguish KOLs, which is a key opinion leader, from token shillers, because these are totally two different personas,” she said, explaining that while the token shiller would put out three to five videos a day promoting certain coins, KOLs promote the whole industry.

The allure of overnight millionaires has long influenced crypto’s reputation, but Frackowiak actively challenges this narrative. The focus often centers on chasing those 100x gains, yet the reality is that substantial profits in crypto typically require significant initial capital. 

The emphasis, she believes, should shift toward sustainable investment strategies and long-term financial planning rather than unrealistic expectations of instant wealth.

But while crypto education is evolving, being aware of the risks is very important, Frackowiak warned, highlighting that if people don’t get the right tools to understand web3, they’ll either get scammed or lose interest completely.

Education also plays a key role in building a career in crypto. Many assume that influencers generate income solely through trading, but in reality, KOLs diversify their revenue streams through brand deals, advisory roles, and content creation.

“So crypto trading is just a puzzle… it can be a big puzzle, but that's not all,” she explained. “It's not just crypto trading…  at the point where you become well known with a huge community, you run a business, right? And having a business comes with a lot of additional activities.”

For those looking to enter the space, Frackowiak emphasizes the importance of personal branding, active engagement, and networking. Establishing a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, participating in discussions, and forging industry connections are essential steps to gaining recognition and opportunities in the cryptoverse.

What’s next for crypto education?

Frackowiak sees usability improvements as the next major driver of crypto adoption. The current landscape remains too complex, with wallets, seed phrases, and transactions creating unnecessary barriers.

“I was working for a cyber security company. I was working for a hard wallet, self-custody, and so on. But self-custody is not designed for the masses,” she explained. 

Rather than overwhelming users with technical jargon, Frackowiak believes blockchain technology should prioritize ease of use. When people feel comfortable using crypto in their daily lives, adoption will naturally accelerate.

For Frackowiak, shaping the future of crypto requires active participation. Innovation doesn’t happen by chance—it demands understanding, deliberate effort, and solutions that prioritize accessibility.

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in the My Crypto Journey podcast.