There are a lot of great challenges and trends that encourage people to do something for a good cause. It’s a fun and efficient way to show and remind people that there are less fortunate or lucky people who need a helping hand. But sometimes people feel the need to do something good for some strangers that they don’t know much about just to brighten their day. One of the examples of such a kind gesture is the “pay it forward” trend. This trend became highly discussed after TikTok user Mac Tray who goes by the username @im_blessed55 decided to share his experience concerning this challenge.
More Info: TikTok
People find some interesting and unique ways to brighten someone's day
Image credits: im_blessed55
The video that now has almost 4 million views shows how the man went to the Starbucks drive-thru to get his drink, also explaining that others who were in the line were participating in the "pay for the person behind you" trend. The man revealed that he stopped a 23-car streak and briefly explained the situation. But before that, Mac shared that “they tried to set him up,” having in mind the car that was standing behind him.
Turns out, a person or people who were in another car had an order for $46, while the TikTok user spent $6 on his drink. Of course, the man found this situation bizarre, so he decided not to proceed with the streak and end it right there. This situation started a heated discussion online as people had different opinions about what happened and how this situation should’ve been handled.
One of these kind gestures was shown in a Starbucks drive-thru where someone started a trend of paying for the person behind their car
Image credits: im_blessed55
A TikTok user decided to share his experience of becoming a part of that trend that he also stopped
Image credits: im_blessed55
Those who have experience in working at Starbucks or similar places expressed their support by saying that they were glad that Mac stopped this trend as it becomes confusing for baristas to keep up with orders and payments. Usually, these gestures of generosity make their job difficult and more confusing. Some people thought that the streak could’ve been saved if the man agreed to cover only some portion of the whole sum. However, others stated that it would only bring more confusion into the whole situation and wouldn’t really fulfill the purpose.
A 23-car streak ended when a customer refused to pay for another car's order that was $46
Image credits: im_blessed55
Other TikTok users didn’t seem to see the point in participating in such a streak as they understand that those who come to Starbucks can clearly afford to get themselves a drink. They suggested that if someone wants to do a good deed, they should really think of ways to help those who are actually in need.
Bored Panda contacted the author of the now-viral TikTok video to find out more about the situation. The man shared that he was surprised to see the video gain so much attention and to stir a debate online. “Honestly, reading all the comments and people debating was entertaining and at times funny, but having a viral video did not excite me that much,” concluded Mac.
You can watch the full video down below!
This situation started a heated discussion online as people had different opinions on how this all could've been handled
A lot of people agreed that it was the right thing to end the streak
The TikToker also shared what he thinks about other people’s reactions. He revealed that people were very active, sending him long messages about the situation and the way they see it, but Mac didn’t allow this to affect his personal life: “It was so many people commenting that eventually I just quit reading the comments because it was distracting my real life. People were also sending me personal messages saying crazy things but all I did was laugh and continue with my day.”
One of the questions is whether the car that made the $46 order knew about the trend and did this on purpose or they didn’t expect anything and maybe didn’t even know about it. Even though there is no answer, people also had their own speculations. Some of them even shared their own experience of paying for an order that was made for the whole office. So it seems that this one-time good deed sometimes turns into a misunderstanding.
We asked Mac what he thinks on the matter. The man guessed that the order was for a few people who ordered some drinks and food, as he could see who was sitting in the car. TikToker continued by explaining the actual reasoning of why he decided not to pay for the order: “I prefer to pay it forward with people who need the help, so since the viral video, I have been giving meals to the homeless. I haven’t posted the videos yet, but I may post them soon while I have this extra attention to help inspire people to pay it forward to the individuals that really need the help.”
What do you think about this situation? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below!
Some people suggested that the man could've covered a part of the sum still keeping with the streak
Later it was revealed that this gesture is not encouraged and usually unappreciated by the staff that actually prepares orders
Some users noticed that when this gesture turns into "a train," it loses its meaning and becomes forced goodness
Some TikTokers believe that if someone wants to make a kind gesture, they should tip baristas
