Electronic Begging: A New Phenomenon in the Era of Technology

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of electronic begging as a new form of expressing financial need in the digital age by exploring its social, psychological, and technological dimensions. It seeks to understand the socio-economic and cultural contexts that have contributed to its emergence, as well as the strategies individuals employ to request support through digital platforms. Drawing on a sociological perspective and a critical review of recent literature, the study investigates how social media has reshaped the relationship between those in need and the public. It also addresses the ethical challenges related to authenticity, emotional manipulation, and the erosion of trust in digital charitable spaces. The study concludes that electronic begging is not a transient anomaly but rather a structural transformation in patterns of social interaction and solidarity in the digital era, requiring a multi-level response involving awareness, regulation, and the promotion of responsible giving practices.