In the current climate where civility seems to be a forgotten virtue, MrBeast, a renowned YouTube personality, has emerged as a shining example of online etiquette and social responsibility. Amid pervasive misinformation and discord sown by social media, MrBeast’s presence stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring calm discourse and fostering a sense of community.
MrBeast, known to his vast following as Jimmy Donaldson, is a self-made phenomenon who has achieved tremendous success on YouTube, amassing over 250 million devoted followers. His rise to prominence is not solely attributed to his elaborate stunts and contests but also to his unwavering commitment to civility and social consciousness.
Examining MrBeast’s online demeanor sheds light on the transformative power of civility in the face of social pressures. His ability to de-escalate conflicts is evident in various instances, such as when he responded to the frenzy surrounding his chocolate bar brand, Feastables. Instead of reprimanding his followers for the disarray caused by high demand, MrBeast tweeted an unconventional plea for assistance: “I need your help! You would make me very happy if you could clean up the [store shelves] and make them look better next time you are in Walmart.” This clever approach not only encouraged his fan base to act as responsible citizens but also incentivized them with a $5,000 prize for the best “shelfie” showcasing the transformation.
MrBeast’s journey from obscurity to Gen-Z icon offers valuable lessons in civic engagement. His initial audience consisted of gamers drawn to his low-quality videos featuring video game playthroughs and offbeat challenges. As his popularity grew, so did the scale and complexity of his content, including elaborate giveaways and philanthropic endeavors.
In one of his most heartwarming videos, MrBeast gifted a homeless man $10,000, marking the beginning of his commitment to assisting the less fortunate. Over the years, he has consistently reinvested his earnings from YouTube views into larger-scale charitable initiatives. From distributing millions of dollars to ordinary individuals to funding ambitious projects like cleaning up the world’s dirtiest beach and drilling wells for impoverished communities, MrBeast’s philanthropy is entirely supported by his YouTube revenue.
Despite his critics, who argue that his charitable work is driven by profit-making motives, MrBeast remains unfazed, driven by his infectious enthusiasm. He inspires the younger generation to pursue their passions, extend compassion to the less fortunate, and exercise responsibility in their online interactions.
Through his work, Jimmy Donaldson embodies the essence of civility in the public sphere. His emphasis on empathy, compassion, and social awareness serves as a reminder of the importance of these virtues in bridging societal divides. From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, Americans can learn from MrBeast’s example and strive to cultivate civility in their own lives.
