Definition:
Artificial rarity is the intentional creation of limited quantities or exclusive status for items that could be produced indefinitely.
Usage Context:
Used in digital cosmetics, collectibles, NFTs, luxury branding, and prestige-based reward systems.
Critical Note:
Artificial rarity decouples value from utility. It encourages status competition and speculative behaviour while obscuring the emptiness of the constraint itself.
Related Terms:
Artificial Scarcity, Manufactured Demand, Speculative Value, Commodification, Enshittification