A majority of crypto projects actually have real world utility. If the project's only goal is to be a "currency" then yeah thats probably a red flag that it may be a scam. Cryptocurrency was probably not a good name to choose considering that the goal of most of the projects is to be a decentralized service, like the internet, that is not owned or controlled by anyone. You just trust it to work like code and not subject to the human nature of corruption and greed.
Here's some categories that are trying to bring decentralization to real world services (im not going to name… Read more specific names so this doesnt come across as spam):
Decentralized Exchanges: Allow users to trade digital assets directly with one another without needing a centralized authority like a traditional exchange. This capability didn't exist before blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Lending and Borrowing Platforms: Allow users to lend and borrow digital assets without a bank or other intermediary. This opens up opportunities for unbanked and underbanked populations worldwide.
Stablecoins: Bring the concept of fiat currencies to the blockchain, providing stability in the otherwise highly volatile crypto markets. They can be transferred worldwide quickly and cheaply, providing utility for remittances and global commerce.
Insurance: Offer decentralized insurance products, a concept that wasn't possible before blockchain technology. With these, users can protect themselves against smart contract failures or other blockchain-related risks.
Decentralized Derivatives Platforms: Allow users to create and trade "synthetic" assets, which are digital assets that track the value of real-world assets. This allows for exposure to various markets without the need to hold the underlying asset.
Yield Farming and Liquidity Mining: Allow users to optimize their earnings from lending and liquidity provision. This introduces an entirely new way of earning passive income.
Prediction Markets: Users can bet on the outcomes of future events in a decentralized way. These platforms could provide more accurate forecasting tools due to their decentralized nature.
Identity Verification: Provide decentralized identity verification services. With blockchain, you can prove your identity without giving up your privacy, which is a novel concept in the identity verification industry.
Social Media: Allow users to own and control all of their personal content, instead of giving away the rights and access to it to Facebook or Twitter.
