> I truly hope we do not let technology be used to create this kind of artificial scarcity

Aren't virtual economies old news by now? Plenty of games and game networks have accomplished this with virtual goods.

The 'metaverse' stuff doesn't scare me personally (where this concept could become widespread). I don't buy for a second that it's going to be a big deal where it will be anything more than a niche glorified game lobby.