Reddit is Criticizing Ivana Alawi for Using the Poor for Content Calling It “Poverty Porn”
December 4, 2025A discussion has sparked on Reddit as several Filipino users began questioning the ethics behind Ivana Alawi’s recent YouTube video. While the actress-vlogger is widely known for her generosity and feel-good videos, a Reddit thread and another one has sparked conversations accusing her of using the poor for engagement—an issue critics refer to as “poverty porn.”
In the post that triggered the discussion, one user asked:
“Bakit ang daming hindi nakaka realize na may something off sa ginagawa nya?”
(“Why do so many people not realize there’s something off with what she’s doing?”)
This comment opened the floodgates.
Some users argued that Ivana’s massive following makes viewers overlook the financial system behind viral content. One comment said that after each emotional vlog, the creator “ends up earning even more,” implying that acts of charity may also double as profitable content.
Another user criticized Filipino audiences for focusing more on entertainment than critical thinking, writing:
“Sad to say content kesa magbasa ng facts gusto ng karamihan ng Pilipino.”
(“Sad to say, many Filipinos prefer content over reading facts.”)
Others pointed out the potential imbalance between what Ivana gives away and what she earns. One commenter claimed:
“Naitulong: 20K. Revenue ng vid: 200K.”
(“What she helped: 20K. Revenue of the video: 200K.”)
Meanwhile another thread in the same subreddit has popped up echoing the same sentiments.
Others also criticized her for looking “ugly with a big nose” and that she was implying poor people look like this. Redditors continued to say that there are also rich and ugly people.
While some believe Ivana’s vlogs are exploitative or overly performative, others argue that kindness, regardless of monetization, still helps real people. Supporters emphasize that she consistently offers jobs, groceries, and financial support, saying her generosity inspires viewers to give back.
This was the same issue MrBeast, one of the biggest YouTubers on the platform, was criticized for. People argued that if MrBeast was genuinely kind and wanted to help, he didn’t need to make content out of it.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: audiences are becoming more critical of how creators portray poverty, even when intentions appear good.
