When I was first introduced to the topic during class, I was very excited because it seemed like a reliable route for future digital artists to take. However, when I read the articles and looked more into the environmental impacts, I realized the extent of the situation and changed my mind after much thought.
I understand why artists would pursue this opportunity, and I don’t want to blame them for doing so, especially if they didn’t know the ecological impacts or if they are making a living off of it. When it comes to topics about socio-economic issues, I always have to remind myself how privileged I am to have parents who provide me shelter, food, etc. for free. After I promised myself that I would never attempt to “immorally” earn money, my parents responded by saying that once I enter the job market and end up providing for my own family, there’s no other way but to become a little selfish. This topic reminded me of that encounter and made me look at the topic in a different light, so I don’t think people should try to ‘cancel’ these artists.
I think another problem with NFTs is that everyday citizens are so disconnected from the reality of the situation. We don’t see or experience the ecological impacts, which makes it difficult for us to make environmentally conscious decisions. Therefore, I understand why so many people are quick to jump on the train.
For me, until something about the way NFTs are mined changes, I don’t want to feel responsible for possibly tons of CO2 emissions, especially because I don’t need to rely on it to put food on the table. Overall, the solution for the ecological impacts of NFts remains unclear, but it should be addressed. AND we shouldn’t blame everyday artists for using it, but billionaires and celebrities who have invested in NFTs who clearly know the ecological impacts that they are making should stop investing when they already have more than enough money (**cough, cough Logan Paul, Mark Cuban, etc.).
