Panhandling: A Social Media Epidemic

By:  Hedayat Oladunni | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Understanding Panhandling in the Digital Age

What is panhandling?

Panhandling traditionally involves individuals, often homeless or in financial distress, asking for money in public spaces like streets. In recent years, however, panhandling has shifted into the digital realm through platforms like GoFundMe, Instagram, PayPal, and TikTok Live. On these platforms, viewers can give gifts to 'influencers,' which can be converted into real money. This online form of panhandling, often rooted in necessity, also includes requests to cover significant expenses like medical bills or funerals. Yet, it can extend to funding for non-essential items, such as luxury electronics. While digital platforms offer panhandlers access to a much larger audience, they also raise concerns about the potential for dishonesty and exploitation.

Historical Context of Panhandling

Historically, street panhandling involved face-to-face interactions where donors could assess the situation directly. In contrast, digital platforms like GoFundMe, Instagram, and TikTok have made it easier for panhandlers to remain anonymous or obscure their true intentions. What was once limited to visible, urgent needs such as food and shelter now includes online campaigns asking for non-essential items, reflecting a shift in the dynamics between necessity and desire in the modern age. This evolution has led to ethical concerns about the legitimacy of some campaigns and the potential manipulation of donors’ generosity.

Reasons for Online Panhandling

The Appeal of a Wider Audience

People often turn to online panhandling because it allows them to reach a larger audience with little effort, leveraging the internet’s wide reach to gather small donations that add up quickly. For those in genuine need—such as individuals seeking funds for medical expenses or emergencies—the internet offers an efficient way to receive help without the stigma traditionally associated with begging in public spaces. The saying "a little goes a long way" becomes particularly true when thousands of people contribute even small amounts.

Ethical Concerns and Exploitation

However, this same ease of access also opens the door for exploitation, as some panhandlers use platforms like GoFundMe or TikTok Live to request money for non-essential luxuries, such as gaming consoles or vacations. The anonymity of the internet removes much of the shame or hesitation involved in face-to-face begging, leading to ethical concerns about transparency and honesty. Without strict legal regulations governing online solicitation, it becomes easier for individuals to obscure their true intentions, manipulating the generosity of donors. This raises the question of whether there should be better oversight to prevent fraudulent or selfish campaigns from undermining legitimate causes.

Impacts on Genuine Needs

Challenges for Those in Real Need

With an increased amount of false information, those who are in actual need/desperate need of money they cannot get from insurance or family face significant challenges. Panhandling legally allows them to ask for funds while decreasing possible feelings of shame or weakness. It becomes easier to ask for help directly with the availability of false pretenses and no way to tell them apart. People become extremely cautious, rightfully so. However, it's great to help, and with the state of things, we need all the help we can get as a society.

Conclusion

Panhandling has evolved with the digital age, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While it offers a lifeline for those in genuine need, it also opens avenues for potential exploitation. As we navigate this new landscape, it is crucial to balance empathy with discernment to ensure that generosity is directed towards legitimate causes.

Resources

https://thenuggetonline.com/panhandling-in-the-digital-age/

The Rise of Crowdfunding: A Paradigm Shift in Financing Innovation - (rialtomarkets.com)