Maybe the fact that a third-party platform takes a percentage on the tip/coffee makes it somehow more legitimate.

I haven't seen much begging online. But yeah, online I don't have to talk to people. So it's better.

In streets, they are talking to random strangers. Like I'm going to the grocery store, on the way there someone asks for money because they want money.

Online, they are usually begging their fans, or at least people who is showing some sort of interest. Like I'm watching a YouTube video, and the creator is asking for a donation, as a volunteer payment for their effort.

For real? I really need $20 rn. Anyone willing to CashApp me? Perhaps you, OP?

I have never seen a panhandler giving out the qr code for their gofundme. Thats what I would do.

Online doesn't have the same element of confrontation

In short: no, it is not - to me. Begging on the streets, at the checkout register, pass the boot firemen at traffic lights, on television commercials, it's all begging.

Inform us about your cause, don't hit us up for spare change or impulse generosity. If we want to give you our spare change, we can do that systematically based on actual decision making, not impulse based on very little - probably inaccurate - information about where the money is going.

Usually begging online comes along with some kind of content so it feels more justified.