Who's Really Cashing In on Your Shame? The Answer Might Surprise You

Dr. Eleanor Vance · 2026-10-11

Have you ever posted something online and immediately regretted it? That sinking feeling when you realize thousands of people might see your mistake? Now imagine that feeling being turned into a business model. That's exactly what we're diving into today. I recently came across a fascinating discussion on the podcast *Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life*. Host Jack Russell Weinstein sat down with Cathy O'Neil, author of *Weapons of Math Destruction*, to talk about online humiliation, consumer manipulation, and the ethics of exploiting human insecurities. And let me tell you, it got me thinking. ### The Shame Economy: A Hidden Giant We all know social media platforms make money from ads. But there's a darker side: they also profit from our worst moments. Every time someone gets publicly shamed, engagement skyrockets. More clicks, more comments, more shares. The algorithm loves it. But it's not just social media. Corporations have gotten really good at making us feel bad about ourselves so we'll buy things to fix it. Think about it: acne creams, anti-aging serums, diet programs. They all thrive on insecurity. Cathy O'Neil calls this the "shame economy." And it's worth billions. In the U.S. alone, the personal care and beauty industry brought in over $100 billion last year. A lot of that is driven by making us feel like we're not good enough. ### The Ethics of Exploitation So, is it immoral? That's the big question. On one hand, companies are just giving people what they want. If you feel insecure about your weight, a diet program offers a solution. But on the other hand, they're often creating the problem in the first place. > "We've built an economy that profits from making people feel bad about themselves," O'Neil says. "And that's a problem." It's a tricky line. Marketing isn't inherently evil. But when it crosses into manipulation, that's when things get murky. ### What Can We Do About It? First, be aware. Recognize when you're being played. If an ad makes you feel bad, that's a red flag. Second, support companies that don't use shame as a tactic. There are brands out there that focus on positivity and inclusivity. Third, talk about it. The more we discuss these issues, the more pressure there is to change. And remember, you're not alone. Everyone feels insecure sometimes. The key is not letting those feelings be used against you. ### Final Thoughts The world might be profiting from shame, but we don't have to accept it. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can push back against this toxic trend. After all, our worth isn't determined by likes, shares, or how many products we buy. So next time you see a post that's blowing up because someone messed up, think about who's really benefiting. It might not be who you think.