They're not dying at all but the markets are still extremely volatile at the moment. The recent talk of banning ICO's in various countries hasn't helped and also the input from various high profile bankers. As others have said though do your research fully in any investment and only pay what you can afford to lose. If you are a nervous wreck though when you see a bunch of red arrows you may need to consider investing in something more stable.
ICOs are risky in any way. China made huge lose with this that why they banned for good. In some way many think this is good for bitcoin but still they are those who think that if they invest in alt they will gain huge amount in some year or longer period. This may be good call but many want fast entry with fast income this will not apply to alts.