The phenomenon you described, commonly known as "performative or virtue signaling," can be seen as negative for several reasons:

1. Exploitation of vulnerable individuals: When people engage in acts of charity solely for personal gain or to gain popularity on social media, it can exploit the vulnerability of the individuals they are helping. In the example you provided, recording a charitable act without the explicit consent of the homeless person may violate their privacy and dignity. The focus shifts from genuinely helping those in need to self-promotion, potentially perpetuating a power dynamic that is demeaning to the person being helped.

2. Lack of genuine empathy: Performative acts of charity can often lack genuine empathy and concern for others. If the primary motivation behind the act is to gain attention or validation, it diminishes the sincerity and altruism that should underpin charitable acts. True compassion should arise from a genuine desire to help others, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.

3. Superficial understanding of complex issues: Performative charity often focuses on individual acts rather than addressing the root causes of societal problems. By emphasizing individual acts of kindness without considering the larger systemic issues, it can create a distorted view of social problems and divert attention from the need for meaningful and sustainable solutions.

4. Reinforcing inequality: While some individuals may benefit from the increased attention or financial gains resulting from performative acts of charity, it does not address the underlying structural issues that perpetuate inequality. It can create an illusion that isolated acts of charity are sufficient to solve complex societal problems, ultimately diverting attention and resources away from more impactful, systemic solutions.

5. Dilution of genuine charitable efforts: Performative charity can overshadow and undermine the work of genuine charitable organizations and individuals who dedicate their time, resources, and expertise to addressing social issues. It creates a distorted perception that one-off acts of kindness are equivalent to long-term commitment and sustainable efforts to tackle societal challenges.

It's important to note that not all acts of recording and sharing charitable acts are negative. Responsible and respectful documentation, done with the explicit consent of all involved parties and with the intention of raising awareness or inspiring positive change, can have its merits. The key lies in the motivations and intentions behind the actions, as well as the potential impact on the individuals being helped and the broader understanding of social issues.