Memes are changing Web3 by altering how communities engage with, invest in, and interact with blockchain. Instead of complex documents and technical language, meme-driven projects use humor and relatability to create viral movements that attract many participants. This shift has led to the growth of meme coins, NFT projects, and decentralized communities, where memes serve as a common language that builds engagement and loyalty.

Platforms like Memeland and PAIN show how internet culture can drive adoption, turning pain into severe financial systems. As Web3 develops, memes are becoming more than just entertainment; they are valuable tools for branding, marketing, and building decentralized communities.

PAIN is a meme coin inspired by the well-known internet meme "Hide the Pain, Harold." The prototype for this meme is Hungarian photographer András Arató, whose "smiling while hiding pain" expression in an early 2000s photography equipment advertisement developed into a cultural symbol because of its strong contrast.

Harold's image has become popular over the last ten years. It shows the feelings of helplessness and forced smiles many people experience. Arató has accepted this role and humorously turned himself into a "living meme."

Reason Behind the PAIN Meme

The PAIN meme coin comes from the "Hide the Pain Harold" internet meme, which features András Arató, a Hungarian photographer. His photo shows a smile hiding pain, which many internet users relate to. This image represents forced optimism in tough times and is the core idea behind the PAIN meme coin.

Memeland saw the appeal of the "Hide the Pain Harold" meme and decided to support the PAIN project. By linking the cryptocurrency to Arató's image, Memeland aimed to attract meme fans and connect with their emotions. The presence of Memeland's founder with Arató at a blockchain event also strengthened the connection between the meme and the crypto project, using Arató's reputation to create trust and humor around the PAIN coin.

Market Reaction to PAIN

The release of a report on meme coins sparked widespread market reactions, suggesting Binance recognized their potential early on. After the presale, the PAIN project team declared they would refund 80% of the funds raised, retaining only 20% for the launch, liquidity, and potential CEX listing fees. The team explained that this was to ease the burden on investors and show a long-term commitment, which ignited debate.

Some defended the refund as an "anti-scam" measure, setting it apart from most meme projects that "raise funds and run away." Skeptics argued that the refunded SOL had lost value due to market changes, and the 20% kept was still much more than what similar projects needed to start. Regardless of the motives, this incident objectively created a secondary spread for PAIN, resulting in a traffic victory.

Significance in the Meme Space

The PAIN meme coin is becoming popular, partly because of its connection to celebrities. It features András Arató, known as "Hide the Pain Harold," and Binance founder CZ. A photo of Arató and CZ taken at Binance Blockchain Week in October 2024 helped ignite more conversations about it. This meetup was organized by Memeland, which has its MEME token listed on Binance. Also, both Arató and the founder of Memeland took part in an offline blockchain event, increasing the project's visibility in the crypto space.

PAIN captures the feeling of smiling through suffering, which connects with the crypto community. Its presale generated intense interest, raising $38 million in just 48 hours. This shows the strong community and interest in meme coins. The project’s choice to refund 80% of the funds raised caused some debate and increased its visibility by attracting much attention and discussion.

Funding for PAIN Meme Coin

The PAIN meme coin raised a remarkable amount of money during its funding phase, collecting 186,000 SOL, or about $38 million, in just 48 hours. This quick fundraising shows strong interest and excitement in the project. With this significant financial support, PAIN has the resources it needs for development, marketing, and liquidity, making it a strong player in the meme coin market.

This large amount of money highlights the project's popularity and gives the PAIN team a financial cushion for future projects. With $38 million, they can confidently pursue goals like getting listed on exchanges, engaging with the community, and creating new features.

However, deciding to refund 80% of the funds complicates PAIN's financial situation. While this move may have aimed to show commitment and lower investors' risks, it raises questions about the project's long-term economic plan. The remaining 20%, around $7.6 million, must be used wisely to keep the project on track and maintain its place in the competitive meme coin market.

Partnerships

Memeland has benefited from Memeland's resources and incubated the PAIN meme coin. During Binance Blockchain Week in October 2024, a photo of András Arató, the "Hide the Pain Harold" meme prototype, alongside Binance founder CZ was widely circulated. Given that the Memeland token MEME was already listed on Binance, this suggests that Memeland facilitated the photo opportunity. The official Memeland account also frequently retweeted PAIN updates, generating traffic.

PAIN's early success depends on the strong community of Memeland and the natural popularity of meme culture. Speculation from meme traders also helps. However, its long-term growth may face problems. If Harold's "pain" theme becomes too commercial, it might lose its original appeal. Moreover, meme coins rely on market trends, putting them at risk during a bear market.

Summary

The PAIN meme coin, inspired by the "Hide the Pain Harold" meme, has gained attention in the crypto space due to its unique branding and market strategy. Launched by Memeland, it raised significant funds during its presale, followed by a controversial refund decision that sparked discussions.

The project also leveraged celebrity influence, including a shared photo of its meme prototype, András Arató, with Binance founder CZ. While PAIN has generated strong community interest, its long-term success will depend on maintaining relevance in the ever-changing meme coin landscape.

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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice

PAIN: Is This Meme Coin the next Big Crypto Sensation?