In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, where fortunes can flip faster than a meme coin pump, a recent tweet from Mert, CEO of Helius Labs, has sparked a lively debate. Posted on September 24, 2025, Mert quipped: "why yes I prefer to take my financial advice from a 19 year old man child whose only skill is videotaping himself for attention." This sarcastic jab, shared via his X account, quickly garnered over 200 likes and dozens of replies, highlighting the tension between traditional crypto expertise and the rise of young influencers.
At the heart of this discussion is the growing influence of teen traders and content creators in the crypto space, particularly around meme tokens. These young voices often dominate social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where they share bold predictions, portfolio picks, and market insights. Mert's tweet seems to poke fun at this trend, but the replies reveal a more nuanced picture. One user pointed out that dismissing these "kids" might be a mistake, referencing a 17-year-old influencer known as @stablealt who accurately leaked Binance's strategy against Hyperliquid back in June 2025.
For those new to the scene, Hyperliquid is a decentralized perpetuals exchange that's been gaining traction for its commitment to true decentralization. In contrast, Binance's Aster DEX has faced criticism for being less decentralized than advertised. @stablealt's post from June warned that Binance was "alarmed" by Hyperliquid's growth and planned to inflate stats and run FUD campaigns. Fast forward to now, and many in the community see his words as prophetic, especially as meme tokens like $HYPE, $PUMP, and $PENGU—featured in his portfolio—continue to buzz in Solana's ecosystem.
This isn't just about age; it's about the democratization of financial advice in blockchain. Meme tokens, those quirky, community-driven assets often inspired by internet culture, thrive on hype generated by influencers. Young creators, unburdened by corporate ties, can spot trends early and share unfiltered opinions. As one reply to Mert's tweet humorously noted, "nothing moves markets like acne + a ring light," capturing the essence of how viral videos can drive token prices.
But there's a flip side. Critics argue that relying on unverified advice from inexperienced sources can lead to risky investments. Meme coins are notoriously volatile, with pumps often followed by dumps. Yet, as the reply from @aibra suggests, sometimes these young guns get it right. @stablealt's leak about Binance's playbook—including promoting Aster DEX and faking volumes—aligned with later developments, earning him credibility despite his age.
The conversation extends to broader themes in crypto, like the battle for decentralized infrastructure. Solana, where Helius Labs provides RPCs and APIs, has become a hotbed for meme token innovation. Projects like $PUMP and $PENGU exemplify how community sentiment, often amplified by influencers, can create real value—or at least short-term gains. For blockchain practitioners, this tweet serves as a reminder to evaluate advice based on merit, not age or presentation.
As Q4 approaches, one reply even joked about "FULLPORT unstable coin" for the best returns, underscoring the playful yet serious nature of meme investing. Whether you're a seasoned dev or a newcomer, keeping an eye on these viral discussions can offer valuable insights into market shifts.
In the end, Mert's tweet encapsulates the chaotic charm of crypto: where a "man child's" video might just hold the key to your next big trade. If you're diving into meme tokens, remember to DYOR—do your own research—and perhaps follow a mix of voices, from CEOs to teens.