Why Crypto? And How?

Hi all,

(Please refer me to any publications or previous reddit threads if the bitcoin thesis has been posted somewhere already)

I'm new to Crypto, so my only understanding comes from general assumptions which are usually based upon discussions in the news and with friends. However, I'd like to gain a deeper understanding on how this is supposed to work from an implementation POV. I'm hoping someone can answer, or point me towards materials that can help me learn.

What is the actual point of crypto? Is the goal of this industry to replace gold and/or the dollar; or is the appeal simply that it's decentralized and digital? is it just an alternate place to park your money for untraceable black-market (and now legal) transactions?

Larger Question- If a county was to convert their economy to a digital currency, what does that look like? Does cash still exist? Do you submit payment thru exchanges? (That in itself seems to be redundant to our current system..) If yes, then who processes those transactions card companies, banks?

What does that do to the individual? Does it uplift everything from how you receive your paycheck to how you pay for groceries? Given the volatility, that's a little scary.

(at this point in writing and rewriting this post, I feel like I'm misunderstanding the concept entirely.)

I just don't get the buzz around things like digital currency and NFT's. Right now, they feel like a Ponzi Scheme. Perhaps they're a product created with good intentions, but it seems like they're just being manipulated by individuals and exchanges like FTX to get rich quick; and by nefarious organizations paying for crime.

Most of the people I know (including myself) have bought coins on exchanges like Coinbase and Robinhood, but only to try and gamble and get some cash ourselves. Now that there are thousands of different coins on those exchanges I haven't had an interest in buying them because they seem so saturated and illegitimate.. However, with the recent political statements by politicians and the increased attention to digital currency in Congress, I want to know the story if this is the future we're heading towards.