Influencer Ethics Debate Sparked by Short Video

In a short video posted on May 27th, 2025, Mallory Brooks, an apparel educator with the online handle "plzdontbuythat," expressed her strong disapproval of certain influencer collaborations. Brooks, known for her outspoken views on ethical consumerism, used a simple video format — a close-up of her face — to convey her feelings about Bradley on a Budget's partnership with DoorDash. "Bradley on a Budget doing a collab with DoorDash is like me doing a collab with SHEIN," she stated in the video, implying that both collaborations represent a compromise of ethical standards. The video's brevity and directness highlight a growing discussion within the online community regarding influencer ethics and the potential conflicts of interest in brand partnerships. Brooks's video serves as a reminder of the importance of considering ethical implications when engaging with online content creators.