Ethical, moral, and environmental issues

Abstract

This chapter identifies and evaluates a broad range of ethical and moral issues that can be anticipated in the development of Web3 and the metaverse. It delves into concerns that have been raised regarding the exploitation of young game developers and game players by metaverse platforms and other powerful actors. It also contends that Web3 is potentially more harmful than other forms of data colonialism due to blockchain's decentralization, which leads to a lack of accountability for any wrongdoing when issues arise. The chapter also provides a perspective on ethical issues of P2E games in which NFT owners take a large share of earnings of players who rent NFTs. It also explores carbon footprints and environmental impacts of Web3 and the metaverse. Finally, the chapter also highlights a range of pollution-reduction strategies that have been proposed for Web3 and the metaverse.