As web 2.0 demonstrates new media not only make information available but they also enhance social cooperation. The sorts of ethically relevant ties that used to be possible on a local scale are now possible on an extended, or even global scale. This enables the emergence of a new kind of ethical economy, where the production and distribution of wealth unfolds through other media than that of money (or trough different kinds of money). Ethical currencies like affect or respect can work just as well.

First out in our small survey of the institutional framework of this emerging ethical economy is givegetnation, a peer-to-peer gift system. The platform simply coordinates need with excess supply: as they claim, if it was possible to distribute rationally only 1 per cent of the surplus wealth that people have available a lot could be done to ameliorate poverty. And with surplus wealth they mean both the things that we make and want to give away, and the things we simply have lying around without using them, in closets and attics.

‘GiveGetNation is the world’s first free, post-scarcity, values-based, person-to-person economy. We organize the world’s surplus capacity and make it accessible to everyone for free.’

Their vision is that of an ethical economy: a mode of production and distribution primarily based on values:

‘We operate on a very simple principle: Values are the primary sources of human capital upon which all money is based. But what are values? There are thousands, really, but most people agree love, joy, freedom, creativity, growth, abundance, and personal fulfillment are key. And where do values live? Values live in you and your dynamic relationship with others. Think about it.’