Myopic Miner

Definition ∞ A myopic miner refers to a participant in a proof-of-work blockchain network who prioritizes immediate, short-term rewards over the long-term stability and security of the network. Such miners might engage in strategies that maximize their current profit, even if these actions could potentially harm the overall network integrity or lead to future revenue reductions. This behavior can include selfish mining tactics or prioritizing certain transaction types. Their actions can disrupt the fair operation of the consensus mechanism.
Context ∞ The behavior of myopic miners is a recurring subject in discussions about blockchain security and economic incentives, particularly in networks relying on proof-of-work. Research often examines how protocol design can mitigate such behaviors and align miner incentives with the network’s collective welfare. Future news will likely report on adjustments to mining reward structures, changes in transaction fee markets, and the transition to alternative consensus mechanisms that aim to reduce the profitability of short-sighted strategies.