https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oKl_qDJHt4
A YouTuber’s attempt to show that speedy delivery services can be used to satisfy more than our own appetite for food or merchandise has touched a viral nerve on the video platform, rising to a top spot on the Trending list in just one day.
The video, published by user Rob Bliss on Tuesday, is called “How to Hijack Amazon Prime Now for Good” and as of Wednesday had more than 650,000 views.
Bliss talks in the video about the proliferation of apps and services that cater to our need to have pretty much anything delivered right when we need it. But he juxtaposed that convenience against a glum statistic about a rise in homelessness.
“Say you’re on your way to work and you see someone who could really use a sleeping bag,” Bliss says in the video. “1. Where are you going to find one of those? and 2, even if you find it, buy it, and deliver it, aren’t you now going to be late? So you end up with thousands of people walking by a guy with no socks on in the middle of December and no one does anything. But does it have to be that way? What if we could repurpose the same apps we use to bring ourselves ice cream and iPhone chargers to finally bring that guy a pair of socks? Would Amazon actually deliver it? We don’t have a real address. I had to go find out.”
In his video description, Bliss points out that Amazon didn’t send him out onto the streets of New York City to make Prime Now or Amazon delivery workers look good for the holidays.
“Note: this video is NOT SPONSORED OR AFFILIATED WITH AMAZON. I’m sure this technique could be used with Postmates or whoever else too. I simply wanted to demonstrate how easy and convenient it can be to bring a person in need, what they need, and to encourage that behavior.”
In one interaction with a man on the street, the Prime Now app is shown and Bliss adds information, along with a street address, so that a package of socks could be delivered to a guy named Jack. “The guy sitting outside with the grey beard and brown jacket.”
A short time later, a delivery person finds Jack and says, “I have a package for you. From Amazon. Happy holidays, bro.”
The video goes on to show about a dozen more deliveries of items for people on the street.
Text at the end of the 4-minute video again says that it’s not in any way sponsored by Amazon.
“My hope is that they see this and realize their potential to help enable giving. Special thanks to Amazon’s couriers, all of whom delivered their package with humanity and grace.”
(via GeekWire)
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