Application of Social Media Sentiment Analysis for Developing Trading Models in the Cryptocurrency Market
Application of Social Media Sentiment Analysis for Developing Trading Models in the Cryptocurrency Market

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the predictive role of social media sentiment in forecasting short-term Bitcoin price changes using econometric and machine learning models. Based on Twitter and Reddit data (2020–2025), we construct a daily sentiment index and analyse its lagged effect on returns. OLS regression and advanced models (random forest, XGBoost) show that a one-unit increase in lagged sentiment predicts a statistically significant 0.24–0.25% rise in next-day returns. Controls include momentum, volatility, and trading volume, with Granger causality tests and VAR confirming sentiment’s leading role. While volume is insignificant, sentiment and momentum are strong predictors. Machine learning models outperform linear baselines, highlighting nonlinear interactions in sentiment-driven markets. Results validate sentiment as a meaningful input for forecasting, with applications to trading bots, real-time risk dashboards, and supervisory tools. The study contributes to applied economics by showing how quantified investor emotion can serve as a leading indicator in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Future research should consider multilingual sentiment, intraday horizons, and cross-asset extensions.

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