Attitudes of Croatian Students on the Use of Cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in Some Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are conquering the world. The first higher education institution in Croatia which allowed its students to pay with cryptocurrencies is the Bjelovar University of Applied Sciences. The study, which aimed to examine the attitudes of students of Croatian universities and polytechnics regarding cryptocurrencies and NFTs and their use in the educational process, was conducted on a sample of 202 students.The subject of the research is related to the use of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible token (NFT) in higher education institutions with regard to the payment of student obligations (tuition, accommodation, food and college expenses).The results of the research show that a small number of research participants own cryptocurrencies and think that it is wise to invest in cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, also, a smaller number of respondents believe that cryptocurrencies are the money of the future. Regarding the possibility of paying school fees, accommodation, food and college expenses, more than $\frac{1}{4}$ of respondents are indecisive, i.e. they neither agree nor disagree with these options. The vast majority of respondents are not inclined to pay with cryptocurrencies, and to buy, sell and create NFTs. Survey participants are not inclined towards cryptocurrencies and NFTs and are distrustful of them. The reason for this are many “affairs” regarding the considered phenomenon that can be read about in the press and other media. This is why the obtained results are a reflexion of the fact that this can be the subject of a more comprehensive study, which would offer answers about the application of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.