stigmatize, destigmatizing, cashing in on a vulnerable audience.

 

Losing Hair, Gaining Followers

Hair-loss influencers on TikTok say they are destigmatizing a common insecurity. Critics say they are cashing in on a vulnerable audience.

cash in

phrasal verb of cash

1. 1.

   INFORMAL

   take advantage of or exploit a situation.

   "the breweries were cashing in on the rediscovered taste for real ales"

   Similar:

   take advantage of

   turn to one's advantage

   exploit

   make money from

   profit from

   do well out of

   milk

   bleed

   suck dry

   squeeze

   wring

   make a killing out of
2. 2.

   convert an insurance policy, savings account, or other investment into money.

   "hundreds of savers cashed in their investments"

stigmatize

/ˈstɪɡmətʌɪz/

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verb

1. 1.

   describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.

   "the institution was stigmatized as a last resort for the destitute"
2. 2.

   mark with stigmata.

   "Francis, stigmatized in fashion as his Lord"