In the fast-paced world of Crypto Twitter (often abbreviated as CT), a recent post by tech content creator @ashen_sol1 has sparked conversations about the declining integrity among influencers. The tweet highlights a troubling trend: nearly every prominent figure in the space has launched or promoted a meme coin only to "rug" it—essentially pulling the rug out from under investors by abandoning the project and taking the funds.

@ashen_sol1 shared: "It's honestly gotten to the point that nearly every big guy on CT has launched or pushed a coin and rugged it at some point. Like, there are very few people left, maybe 10%, that haven't done that yet. I think the moral code has shifted very heavily in the past two years."

For those new to the term, a "rug pull" is a common scam in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and meme token ecosystem. It happens when project creators hype up a token, attract investments, and then suddenly withdraw all liquidity, causing the token's value to plummet to zero while they pocket the proceeds. Meme coins, which are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes and often built on blockchains like Solana or Ethereum, are particularly susceptible due to their viral nature and lack of underlying utility.

This observation comes at a time when meme tokens are booming, with projects like Dogecoin and newer entrants on Solana capturing massive attention. However, the ease of launching tokens via platforms like Pump.fun has lowered barriers, enabling quick scams. @ashen_sol1's estimate that only 10% of big influencers haven't engaged in such practices underscores a cultural shift. Two years ago, the crypto community emphasized decentralization and trustless systems, but now, short-term gains seem to dominate.

The replies to the tweet echo this sentiment. One user, @HavelsJordans, jokingly urged launching a crude-named coin, highlighting the casual attitude toward ethics. @Mackypeee lamented the "zero conscience" in the space, while @khing_ladipoe simply agreed with "Facts bro." Others like @lusevi4 noted that "integrity took a back seat," and @anakincoco pointed out that "anyone will do anything lol, just depends on the price paid."

A standout reply from @_SirJoey emphasized personal integrity: "I am not a big guy, but either way, haven't dropped or rugged a coin and even if I was, wouldn't do that either. Got to maintain integrity." This contrasts with the prevailing trend, suggesting a minority still holds to higher standards.

asked if @ashen_sol1 plans to launch a token, probing the poster's own stance. Meanwhile, @GadgetLeo added humor with a pleading question: "i can still trust ashen right? right," accompanied by a meme image of a sad cat, capturing the community's mix of skepticism and hope.

@mangusxbt teased "time for ashencoin67," alluding to potential future launches, and @xiaopao718 reflected that "the great shilling. integrity is the new edge."

This discussion is crucial for blockchain practitioners navigating meme tokens. As Meme Insider, we recommend due diligence: check project liquidity locks, team transparency, and community sentiment before investing. Tools like Dexscreener or Rugcheck can help spot red flags. While meme coins offer fun and potential profits, the shifting moral landscape on CT serves as a reminder—trust but verify in this wild west of crypto.