Redditors Shared What They Think Are Toxic Things But Are Disguised As Wholesome Deeds

Some people can turn a simple good deed into something a lot messier. A Reddit thread recently asked which acts look wholesome on the surface but feel toxic underneath, and the answers came fast.

The examples ranged from performative charity to people using kindness for attention, plus a few situations where the “good” part hides something uncomfortable. It is the kind of discussion that makes you look twice at the next viral act of generosity.

Here is what Redditors put on the list.

Here's the question of OP

deleted

Reddit got straight to the point with the question.

A rule and a good observation

WestwardAlien

Here’s an example from a person who helped others significantly

Surprise_Corgi

People who see individuals with disabilities as ‘inspirational’ without knowing what they really go through are on this list

an_ineffable_plan

This one hit a nerve for a lot of people.

Someone who has encountered and seen what a person with a disability...

Drakmanka

actually feels about the spotlight shared their story

Drakmanka

end of comment

Drakmanka

That is where the conversation started to get uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever witnessed people trying to save animals they’ve put in danger in the first place, then know that they’re also high on the list

Midlux

Poor pet dogs must’ve been subjected to those kinds of things all the time

SC2sam

Another instance of animal abuse disguised as a wholesome act

saladsnake34

Social media is commonly used by people to exploit poverty for exposure

natelopez53

It’s like profiting from a broken system

really_bitch_

That criticism came up more than once.

It’s similar to the debate on whether OP should stop her friend from adopting after concerning shelter behavior.

The dark side of social media that they’re trying to pass off as wholesome

Kashboii

There’s a big difference

having_a_nosey

People automatically think there’s something wrong if you’ve been away from social media for a while

sanchito88

They have this mindset until it turns into an automatic need to film every good deed

canadianlupa

A lot of Redditors agree with this one

Vasa_Vasorum_

As a parent, you always have to consider how your child would feel, especially if they are involved

Moleman_G

This parent wants their kids to avoid being exposed to those kinds of ideas

Perfect_Rooster1038

A moment like this can make everything awkward, especially if they’re young

freakishfrenchhorn

A lot of people don’t know that sometimes you can choose your family, and they don’t have to be all related by blood

Weirdo_666_420

This is toxic to people who are already dealing with a multitude of insecurities

forestcreature989

Way beyond the job description

misterdudebro

Companies are no better and add fuel to the fire of how people perceive good deeds

Dire-Dog

They could’ve done it to actually help since they have the resources to do so

DeFex

It is a reminder that some “wholesome” moments deserve a second look.

Do you have anything to add to the list? You can write it down in the comments.

May performative kindness stay off your feed.

See the advice thread on helping a friend adopt another pet after past mistakes.