On beast philanthropy: A response to commentaries and some final reflections

Abstract

To complete this special issue debating the philanthropy of MrBeast, Rhodri Davies offers some thoughtful responses to commentaries on his invited paper. Davies highlights how Beast Philanthropy, despite its novelty, evokes many of the classic ethical, moral, and political debates within the field. Nonetheless, in the contemporary ‘attention economy’ he notes that there are developments within this new style of ‘influencer philanthropy’ that we should observe closely and explore their implications. Davies observes an ambivalence and occasional frustration with MrBeast among the commentaries in this issue, but also a cautious optimism, informed both by the positive impacts Beast Philanthropy has already achieved and how it may evolve and mature over time. Davies urges us to put aside any generational differences and aesthetic aversions, and to engage in a generous spirit with this new era of influencer philanthropy.