The Hidden Cost of Public Shame: Who's Really Profiting?

Dr. Eleanor Vance · 2026-10-11

Have you ever stopped to think about who benefits when someone gets publicly humiliated online? It's a question that's been on my mind lately, especially after listening to a fascinating discussion on the podcast *Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life*. Host Jack Russell Weinstein sat down with Cathy O'Neil, a mathematician and author, to dig into the ethics of online humiliation, consumer manipulation, and the exploitation of our deepest insecurities. ### The Shame Economy: A Modern Gold Rush We've all seen it: a tweet goes viral for all the wrong reasons, and suddenly the internet is a courtroom, jury, and executioner. But what if I told you that this isn't just a side effect of social media? It's a business model. Companies and platforms profit from our collective outrage and the shame of others. Every click, share, and comment is currency. And guess what? We're the ones paying. Think about it. When someone is publicly shamed, engagement skyrockets. Advertisers pay big bucks to get their products in front of all those eyes. Meanwhile, the person at the center of the storm is left to pick up the pieces. It's a vicious cycle, and it's making someone very rich. ### The Insecurity Industrial Complex But it's not just about shame. It's also about our insecurities. Have you ever noticed how ads seem to know exactly what you're insecure about? That's no accident. Companies spend billions ($) on research to figure out how to make us feel bad about ourselves so we'll buy their products. It's called consumer manipulation, and it's everywhere. From anti-aging creams that promise to turn back the clock to fitness programs that guarantee a "perfect" body, the message is clear: you're not good enough as you are. And that's a problem. Because when we buy into that narrative, we're not just spending money—we're buying into a system that thrives on our self-doubt. ### The Ethics of Exploitation So, is it immoral? That's the big question. On one hand, you could argue that it's just capitalism—buyer beware. But on the other hand, there's something deeply troubling about a system that profits from human suffering. O'Neil argues that it's a form of exploitation, plain and simple. And she's not wrong. When we shame others online, we're not just being mean—we're participating in a system that values engagement over empathy. We're telling corporations that this is what we want. And they're more than happy to oblige. ### What Can We Do About It? So, what's the solution? It starts with awareness. The next time you see a viral shaming thread, ask yourself: who benefits from this? Probably not the person being shamed. And probably not you, either. We can also vote with our wallets. Support companies that prioritize ethics over profits. And most importantly, practice empathy. Remember that there's a human being on the other side of that screen. A little kindness can go a long way. > "The opposite of shame isn't pride—it's empathy." – Cathy O'Neil At the end of the day, we have a choice. We can continue to feed the beast, or we can choose to build a culture that values connection over clicks. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Because a world that profits from shame is a world that's lost its way. So, the next time you're tempted to join the outrage mob, take a step back. Ask yourself: is this really who I want to be? And more importantly, is this really the world I want to live in? The answer might just surprise you.