RE: Is the hype around crypto-currencies comparable to the tulip-mania back in the 17th century?
None of this is possible if you understand the decentralised aspect of crypto and blockchain. Bitcoin isn't a company or corporation, it cant be stopped because its decentralised its like trying to stop an idea. Theres already central bank crypto and Bitcoin is still at all time highs because most users of crypto by definition want to navigate away from centralised control. Think of it like downloading files, yes Apple centralised downloads with iTunes but anyone with internet access can still download files despite the best efforts of huge commercial giants like Sony. Everyone likes to give examples like Tulip mania or Weimar Republic without factoring in that we live in the digital age, that does make a big difference to how these ideas will develop in comparison to the past.
But: what is the internet actually worth, or a part of the internet (Which is actually the blockchain) isn't it next to nothing?
You think the internet is not worth anything????? Thats like saying roads are of no value. Value comes from humans utilising things. Without the internet 90% of companies would go bust. without the internet hospitals wouldn't function, schools wouldn't function, food supplies and haulage companies would break down. Not to mention entertainment value, information at the speed of light etc etc. Do Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix have any value without an internet? Does a car have value without a road? The internet is full of holes though, it was built on unsteady foundations like a city built on sand, Blockchain is rebuilding the city on solid rock foundations .... thats incredibly valuable.