human
I've been hearing a lot about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and I'm wondering what they are.
assistant
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use cryptography for security and to verify transactions as they happen. They are typically decentralized, meaning there is no central authority or bank issuing them. Instead, they are created through a process known as “mining” in which computers solve complex math problems to validate the transaction and create new coins. This process creates a limited supply of coins, making them inherently scarce and valuable.