poverty porn

Media that depicts poverty, suffering, or deprivation in ways designed to provoke emotional responses—particularly guilt or pity—from comfortable viewers.

The term is pejorative, suggesting exploitation of human misery for entertainment, fundraising, or self-congratulation rather than genuine understanding.

Common in charity campaigns, documentaries, and social media posts that dwell on squalor or helplessness: The organization's ads are pure poverty porn—starving children with flies on their faces.

Critics argue it strips dignity from its subjects while letting audiences feel virtuous without meaningful engagement.