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| The figure of Luluk Dwi Kumalasari, S.Sos,. M.Si., who serves as the Head of the Sociology Department of UMM. (Foto: Istimewa) |
Online begging is increasingly widespread in social media. For example, the Tiktok content of the TM Mud Bath account is criticized by netizens because its live broadcast on TikTok contains a mud bath activity. The scope involves an older woman who intends to attract netizens, so they eventually feel pity and give her a gift.
Responding to the case, the Head of the Sociology Department of UMM, Luluk Dwi Kumalasari, S. Sos., M. Si., appraises that online begging makes society restless. The social phenomenon is considered pity and unusual as begging for love and affection commonly happens in person. Conversely, it occurs in cyberspace.
Luluk explained that technological advancement triggers an online begging case. Firstly, a social media platform mainly gives accessibility for humans to express themselves for any purpose, including making money. Second, poverty and high demand influence someone to get profits instantly.
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“They think that online begging is the best solution because they earn money from netizens. Thirdly, due to an opportunity, there is no firm limitation from parties of social media platforms to select and filter a post,” explained the Sociologist.
Fourth, people’s perception of entertainment content has shifted. Entertainment content used to be pleasant and not burden one’s self. Now, content related to someone’s life’s difficulties is considered entertainment. Fifth, strong protection for any groups of society does not exist yet, so they are vulnerable to being exploited.
“The fading of values, ethics, and eastern customs, especially in the younger generation, is also the strong background (of this social phenomenon). The last is a cultural factor since Indonesian people like to help and have high mercy. It is not wrong, but some groups can take advantage of them,” expressed the Lecturer.
Luluk also said that Indonesia ranked as the most generous country according to the World Giving Index on October 21, 2022, with 68%. Due to the rank, it eventually becomes another factor that triggers online begging.
“Who does not know Indonesians’ hospitality, caring and social spirit? We are even familiar with a village known as a beggar village, and their people live prosperously. However, their prosperity does not stop their act of begging. Then, Indonesian people should be wiser, think rationally, and act firmly,” asserted she.
In her perspective, online begging, which increasingly spreads in social media, dominantly exploits a vulnerable group, including older adults. Online begging is unworthy and negatively impacts society because it teaches young people to use old ones.
“The advantage of online begging is from a gift. Then, if content related to it is not educational, we do not need to give them a gift. If we indicate exploiting content, immediately report it to authorities,” advised the Head of the Sociology Department. (imh/ros/wil)
