MEV’s Negative Externalities

Consequence

Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) generates negative externalities through search for arbitrage and sequencing opportunities, impacting network stability and user experience. These externalities manifest as increased transaction fees, particularly during periods of network congestion, effectively pricing out legitimate users and hindering decentralized application (dApp) functionality. The competitive nature of MEV extraction incentivizes behaviors that can lead to front-running and sandwich attacks, eroding trust in the fairness of blockchain-based systems and potentially disrupting market integrity. Mitigation strategies, such as Fair Ordering Services, aim to internalize these costs, but introduce complexities regarding censorship resistance and decentralization.