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Love don’t cost a thing, sang Jennifer Lopez in 2001 but now two decades later it seems it does indeed have a price tag.
Marta Rentel of Poland, who goes by the online name of Marti Renti, recently sold her “digital love” in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT) for $250k (R3,6 million).
An NFT is a virtual certificate that is recognised in the digital world.
READ MORE | Digital art that sells for R1 billion? Why non-fungible tokens have suddenly become a thing
“I always wanted to do something innovative. Something that would be described in history books. I can almost see my face there,” said the Polish influencer.
Marta (26) explained it was the love of her online alias that was sold, not hers.
“Nothing
on the internet is physical, it's a part of my online persona,” she told Insider.com.
“In the physical world I'm Marta Rentel and I’m a regular girl from Poland.”
She said she was inspired by Salvatore Garau, an Italian artist who sold an NFT of an invisible sculpture for $18 000 (R263 000).
“Selling digital love is empowering for women because we can love without compromising our freedom and individuality,” she explained.
“Digital love is transactional, but so is marrying a man just because he is wealthy and stable, right?”
The
identity of the love buyer is unknown and Marta will go on one date with them
as a real-life token of the transaction.
Marta who has more than 600 000 followers on her Instagram page intends to sell more NFTs, including her emotions, a relationship and experiences.
She sees nothing wrong with making a profit off her virtual self.
“If I manage to successfully mint my digital love then why shouldn’t other feelings and emotions just follow?”
SOURCES: NY POST , BUSINESS INSIDER, MARTI RENTI.COM
