A TikTok user has sparked debate after explaining why he chose to end a 'pay-it-forward' line at a fast food drive-thru.
The pay-it-forward offer is undoubtedly a lovely display of humanity, and one which can go a long way in making someone's day better.
However, TikToker Darius has explained why he chose not to move ahead with it while at a Bojangles restaurant in December:
The idea of 'pay-it-forward' has been known to happen at drive-thrus - when one person kicks off the trend by covering the cost of the order placed by the person behind them.
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This results in the next customer having the delightful surprise that their own order is free, which often encourages them to repeat the move for the next person in line.
Lovely, right? Though not without its issues.
In his video, Darius, who goes by @chefboyardarius on TikTok, explained that he ordered $15 (£12.40) worth of food, and that he was surprised and appreciative when he learned the car in front had paid for it.
The employee at the store told Darius that he was part of a 'pay-it-forward' line which had already involved multiple customers.
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As a result, they asked Darius whether he wanted to join the trend by covering the cost for the person behind him - a woman who he claims had 'about run [him] over' while going into the restaurant.
Feeling generous, Darius asked how much they'd spent and learned the total was $45.38 (£37).
"I didn't sign up to feed the 5,000," the TikToker said, alongside a caption on the video which read: "$45 at Bojangles is crazy… or am I trippin."
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"I'm not doing that," Darius added.
The TikToker did make sure to share his thanks for the person who paid for his food, but his decision to end the line of generosity has sparked debate among viewers.
Many agreed with his decision to end the line over the cost of the food, with one person explaining they'd only be willing to pay if the next customer's total was 'less or equal to mine', adding: "Otherwise, it’s a no."
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Some viewers responded to point out $45 wasn't that much if there was a family in the car, though many responded to point out the issue with the trend - if the total you're being asked to pay is more than you can afford, then it can be tough to pay it forward.
Other TikTok users offered alternative views, with one arguing that it didn't have to be all or nothing.
They wrote: "Why not just pay your own food bill and let the $15 go to the next person then. That way ur still paying forward."
With the debate ongoing, what would you do in Darius' situation?
Topics: Food and Drink, Money, TikTok, Viral
Emily Brown