On online beggars
Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X have transformed how we interact with each other, create and even earn a living. But beneath this 21 st century discovery lies a smouldering problem: the scourge of digital beggars. These individuals take to social media daily, soliciting monetary gifts. This phenomenon is gaining traction across all ages in Malawi. While others view this as a harmless act, but it is no different from street begging. The slight difference is the medium. Traditional begging takes place at the corner of the streets in Blantyre or Lilongwe with arms stretched, whereas digital beggars use a smartphone and the internet. Worse still, social media influencers have increasingly entrenched this art of begging by gifting their followers with money and other incentives. They do this simply to increase following on their social media platforms, which are often monetized. Street beggars are often pushed onto the streets because of, among other reasons; po...