A video recently shared by Kolkata-based internet celebrity Pantha Deb has sparked an important discussion online. In the film, Pansa attempts the “24-hour begging challenge”, where he poses as a beggar on the streets of Kolkata to see how much money he can earn in a day. While the film attracted attention, it also raised ethical questions about the nature of content creation, especially when it comes to social issues.
Kolkata internet celebrity Pantha Deb became a beggar for 24 hours
Pantha Deb, who has more than 2,500 followers on Instagram, introduced the Begging Challenge to viewers with the short caption: “24 Hour Begging Challenge.” In the film, he begins simulating a day as a beggar in Calcutta, wearing a tattered T-shirt and jeans, holding a bowl in his hand. He stood under a bridge and asked for donations from passers-by. The footage captures people’s reactions to him, with some offering money and others appearing to ignore his presence entirely.
As the film unfolds, the reactions of passers-by play an important role. Some people gave him money, but some people walked over without saying hello to him. This social experiment is a commentary on popular attitudes towards beggars, prompting viewers to question their own reactions to similar situations. However, the film takes an unexpected turn at the end, with Panza giving the money he collected to an old homeless woman, thereby performing a generous gesture that further complicates the exploitation narrative.
Pantha Deb’s begging challenge sparks ethical debate about using social issues as content
The video quickly divided social media users. On the one hand, some users criticized Pantha for using serious social issues as a form of entertainment, with comments such as “new entrepreneurial ideas” or “this is the peak of unemployment.” These critics believe such content trivializes the struggles of homeless people and question the influencers’ motives. On the other hand, some users praised Pantha for giving the money she raised to real beggars. “I’m touched by the ending. Well done,” one user commented, acknowledging what they thought was a good-natured end to a thought-provoking experiment.
The online debate highlights the complexities of influencers using social issues as content, especially when their actions may be viewed as attention-seeking or exploitative. It also raises concerns about the ethical implications of turning serious topics like homelessness and begging into social experiments for entertainment purposes.
Ethics in Content Creation Amid Social Issues Raised by Pantha Deb’s Begging Challenge
The controversy surrounding Pantha’s video sparked an important conversation about the ethics of content creation, especially when dealing with real-world social issues. On the one hand, critics argue that the begging challenge is an inappropriate way to generate content. They claim that pretending to be a beggar for a day not only disrespects the reality many homeless people face but could further stigmatize them.
Others, however, believe Panza’s actions should be viewed in a different light. His decision to donate the money he earned during the challenge added a layer of complexity, suggesting that the content was not simply created for personal gain but was intended to spark reflection on social attitudes about begging. This contrasting view sees Panza’s final gesture as positive, showing that the challenge, while provocative, can raise awareness and inspire goodwill.
Pantha Deb’s 24-hour begging challenge marks transition from prank to sensitive social issue
Pantha Deb is known for sharing pranks and light-hearted challenges on her Instagram page, which currently has over 2,500 followers. His content often revolves around fun experiments and social pranks, engaging his audience with humor and surprise. However, this “24-hour begging challenge” is different from his usual style. By discussing a serious social issue like panhandling, Panza ventures into more sensitive territory, forcing his audience to confront uncomfortable truths about how we view and treat marginalized groups.
Influencer Responsibilities in Social Commentary
Influencers like Pantha Deb often find themselves at the crossroads of entertainment and social commentary. As content creators, they have the power to shape public opinion on important topics through videos, posts and experiments. However, with this power comes responsibility. Content creators have to walk a fine line between making a statement or raising awareness and leveraging real-life issues to get clicks, likes, and views.
Pantha’s “Begging Challenge” is an example of how influencers, while trying to create engaging and thought-provoking content, can inadvertently stir up controversy by addressing sensitive issues in a way that may come across as disingenuous or opportunistic. The film raises larger questions about the motivations behind such social experiments: Is this a genuine effort to highlight an issue, or is it just a means to gain the attention and engagement of followers?
Pantha Deb’s video sparks debate about influencer ethics and using social issues in content
Ultimately, Pantha Deb’s film sparks a much-needed conversation about the ethical responsibilities of influencers. While some viewers found the challenge offensive, others praised his generosity in donating the money raised to a homeless woman. This dual reaction highlights the complexity of using social issues as entertainment content, without a clear consensus on whether such behavior is justified or exploitative.
In the case of Panza’s film, it’s clear that the intentions behind the experiment and ultimately the charitable gesture were not entirely rooted in self-interest. However, the broader question remains: should influencers be allowed to leverage real-world struggles to drive engagement, or is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed when creating content for social media? The debate continues, revealing the changing role of influencers in today’s digital age and their responsibility to handle sensitive topics with caution.
ALSO READ | Bihar man’s secret second marriage exposed as first wife halts ceremony
