I suspect people watch it because it gives them that dopamine hit of helping someone, without actually doing anything. “Oh my gosh, he’s so charitable!”
Commodified charity is a very effective way to get views and followers, so many people copy his format, doing “charity” for personal fame and gain - i’ve heard of some “charity” tubers/tokers that start selling ad space to fucking online casinos once they get enough viewers.
That he gets money from advertising increases the effect you described because simply by watching the video, they are contributing money to the charity they are watching.
I suspect people watch it because it gives them that dopamine hit of helping someone, without actually doing anything. “Oh my gosh, he’s so charitable!”
Commodified charity is a very effective way to get views and followers, so many people copy his format, doing “charity” for personal fame and gain - i’ve heard of some “charity” tubers/tokers that start selling ad space to fucking online casinos once they get enough viewers.
So those “charity” YouTubers let the online casinos have their ad space so those casinos can give them more homeless people…
That he gets money from advertising increases the effect you described because simply by watching the video, they are contributing money to the charity they are watching.