Humanity for Profit: The Exploitation of Collective Grief in a Time of Trauma.

It seems 2024 will go down as one of the most violent years in history—marked by the unprecedented, live-streamed display of extreme violence. When we think of this year's tragedies, Palestine's devastation stands out vividly. From images of destroyed homes and bombed-out neighbourhoods to the unsettling content shared by Israeli soldiers—TikTok videos of civilians killed or soldiers mockingly playing with children's dresses left behind in what used to be their homes. The public has been inundated with horror daily. Some have chosen to look away, others can't stop looking, but trauma persists for everyone.

The toll deepens to indescribable levels for those who witness out of suffering or are on the front lines. Trauma and grief are becoming constants in our collective experience.

Yet, as is often the case in times of widespread suffering, some exploit this collective trauma for personal gain. Social media has given rise to a handful of opportunists who now call themselves human rights activists or coaches. These are people who, not long ago, were pursuing different careers, if any, but have quickly adapted to using platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to appeal to those in desperate need of empathy and community—turning that suffering into a business, positioning themselves as the solution, of course, for a fee.

I became acutely aware of this when I reached out to someone who seemed to be an active voice on the violence in Palestine. Their profile headline identified them as a coach and human rights activist; however, I could not locate any official qualifications or a portfolio to support this claim. They appeared to be a civilian with a personal opinion and perspectives that I was eager to explore more deeply. Approaching them with empathy, I invited them to connect for a community-led discussion to encourage collective thinking and communal support. Their response was immediate and disheartening: Is this paid?

When I explained that this platform was not-for-profit and that profiting from such tragedy was the furthest thing from my mind, I invited them to decline if the offer didn't suit them.

What followed stripped away the veneer of their online persona—verbal abuse, accusations, and insults, including: The world doesn't need a privileged white saviour, followed by I haven't had a job in a long time; I need to pay my bills. Without knowing anything about my background or personal struggles, this person crossed boundaries with their baseless assumptions, labelling me a privileged white saviour. At the same time, they try to profit from collective suffering. When I called them out for the abusive treatment, their response was even more jaw-dropping: you are clearly triggered. That was a so-called coach's answer.

Their true colours emerged, revealing that they were not activists but profiteers. Imagine someone who publicly advocates for human rights but privately attacks others for not giving them money to raise awareness, weaponising their skin colour to label them privileged regardless of their actual background. It became clear that this person was not driven by real compassion but opportunism.

Another example that stands out is a self-proclaimed mindful activist and coach who identified as a humanitarian. Like the previous individual, this person used social media to attract a sympathetic audience—many suffering deeply from the current events. Their profile experienced a boost in audience since the war heightened. When I invited them to share their thoughts over a dialogue and explained that it was a non-profit initiative, they ghosted.

Shortly afterwards, they posted on their feed: XYZ war is out there, so much pain and trauma XYZ, I'm here to help XYZ, followed by a price tag—£160 for one-hour sessions TO HELP YOU.

Gradually, many have become so driven by profit and self-interest that even amidst war and grief, some exploit others’ pain to ascend the social ladder. Today, it seems everyone has adopted the role of a coach or self-proclaimed expert. People who were unnoticed in their fields have now found a niche—exploiting the ongoing violence we witness to benefit under the guise of humanitarianism.

This is particularly disturbing given that those most affected by what has essentially become a live-streamed humanity crisis are everyday people already facing severe financial constraints. And yet, these self-styled activists—with questionable, if not non-existent, credentials—are seeking to profit from their pain.

Fortunately, there are professionals with proven track records who genuinely assist trauma survivors in their recovery. These individuals, having experienced trauma themselves, understand the profound need for support and dialogue that transcends transactional relationships. They recognise when it is appropriate to charge a fee and when to simply be human, fostering conversations without expecting a profit. Instead, they offer something far more valuable—human connection, a helping hand, an ear to listen, a voice that could soothe.

Empathy, born out of real experience, can't be faked. It isn't something that can be packaged and sold as a service. It is lived, felt, and shared. Those who have endured trauma know that healing comes from people who care, not from those looking to capitalise on others' suffering. The importance of genuine, trauma-informed care cannot be overstated. In these dark times, where the horrors of war and violence are laid bare before us, it is crucial to turn to those who offer empathy without strings attached.

We live in an era where technology gives us immediate access to the world's darkest moments. Every morning, we wake up to images of children under rubble, mutilated or burned alive. The injustice is relentless, yet we are expected to carry on with our daily lives as if we were made of stone.

Empathy becomes not just a virtue but a lifeline in these moments of unimaginable grief.

In these unsettling times, it is imperative to pause and reflect. We must examine how to refocus our energies on authentic human connection and meaningful support rather than allowing suffering exploitation for self-gain.

In a world weighed down by relentless pain and injustice, our response should always be rooted in humanity, not transactional gain. We can truly honour the suffering we witness through genuine empathy and compassion.