Influencers Under Fire: Is Empathy Lost in the Pursuit of Profit?

A recent social media video has ignited a debate about the ethical responsibilities of online influencers, particularly concerning their role in charitable fundraising. In the video, a woman, who identifies herself as a widow and mother of a special needs child, expressed profound disappointment over influencers reportedly charging substantial fees to share appeals for sick individuals or those requiring financial aid for medical treatments. "I will never charge anybody to post their sick loved one. That would be so wicked of me," she stated, recounting a personal instance where she was approached to charge for such a post, which she vehemently refused. She highlighted that some influencers demand "millions" for these posts, questioning, "Where has our empathy gone as humans?" The woman argued that while charging for brand promotions is acceptable, monetizing pleas for the critically ill is a "pure wickedness." She lamented that since social media became a platform for earning money, "a lot of us no longer have empathy." Her powerful message has resonated with many, prompting discussions on the moral obligations of public figures and the commercialization of compassion.