By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
The MrBeast Phenomenon Why We’re Captivated by Watching Big Giveaways
Thousands of Sydneysiders gathered at the Opera House recently to witness MrBeast, the world’s most subscribed to YouTuber, give away ten luxury cars. Among the spectators were not just those who could drive but also many children, eager to watch others win prizes.
MrBeast, or James "Jimmy" Donaldson, is renowned for his extravagant giveaways and contests that transform ordinary lives. With 290 million subscribers, his videos, often quickly amassing 100 200 million views, generate substantial revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Contestants in his videos sometimes undertake unique challenges to win prizes, while at other times, MrBeast simply films himself giving large sums to those in need a trend that has sparked ethical debates.
Why are we so drawn to content where we aren’t the direct beneficiaries? One answer lies in the concept of emotional contagion, where people “catch” and replicate other's emotions. Watching recipients of MrBeast’s giveaways experience joy naturally brings a smile to viewer's faces. Moreover, his content provides material for social conversations, enhancing our social capital. Memorable events like his recreation of Squid Game, which garnered over 600 million views, become talking points.
MrBeast's videos often feature extravagant productions costing millions and involving large crews. These videos generate surprise and awe, making them highly engaging and shareable. The uniqueness and scale of his projects contribute significantly to their appeal.
While some videos involve straightforward giveaways, recent ones often require participants to complete challenges. For example, during the Opera House event, contestants played cornhole, with Sergio winning a $450,000 Lamborghini. In another instance, a contestant named Alex survived 45 days in an abandoned grocery store to win $675,000.
These challenges resonate with viewers because they align with the "just world" belief, where people get what they deserve. Watching someone earn a prize through effort and ingenuity, like Alex creating a functioning shower from store parts, feels more satisfying. This narrative transportation, where viewers mentally enter the story, keeps them engaged and invested in the contestant's journeys.
However, the potential impact of such content on viewers raises questions. Could it lead to unrealistic expectations or dissatisfaction with one’s own life? Research suggests that focusing on wealth and material possessions can negatively affect mood, motivation, and overall well being, especially among adolescents.
MrBeast’s videos may appear to offer quick riches, but his own success story is one of long term dedication. Starting his YouTube channel at 13 and working tirelessly ever since, MrBeast exemplifies that extraordinary achievements often require sustained effort.
