Introduction
In today’s digital age, information is everywhere — but so is confusion. On platforms like YouTube, self-proclaimed experts speak with loud confidence on topics they barely understand. One growing trend is the wave of criticism against honorary doctorates, especially those conferred by digital universities. These critics often paint all such recognitions as fake, paid, or valueless. But is that really the truth?
A closer look reveals that many of these criticisms lack context, accuracy, and sometimes even basic ethics. More importantly, they ignore the real stories of people being honoured — teachers, community workers, entrepreneurs, and healers — who deserve recognition but never got it from traditional systems.
The Nature of the Criticism
If you’ve watched these videos, you’ll notice a pattern:
- Dramatic headlines with phrases like “Scam Alert” or “Fake Degree Exposed”
- No real investigation — just commentary from opinion
- Cherry-picking one or two bad examples to attack the entire concept
- No understanding of what “honorary” actually means
Such content is designed to trigger emotional reactions and generate views, not to educate or provide clarity. These critics rarely have academic backgrounds, nor do they speak to the awardees or institutions involved.
Understanding What an Honorary Doctorate Is
An honorary doctorate is not an academic degree like a PhD. It is:
- A symbolic recognition of life contribution
- Meant to honour people for service, innovation, or public impact
- Not to be used for academic admission or faculty appointment unless specifically accepted
- A tradition that exists in most countries, even in top institutions
The confusion arises when people expect an honorary award to function like an academic degree — which it was never meant to do. Critics who ignore this difference are misleading their audience.
Why Digital Platforms Are Being Targeted
Many digital universities like Cambridge Digital University and Euro Asian University are now offering honorary awards. Their ceremonies may be online, and their reach global, but their purpose remains sincere: to recognise those who have served or achieved without conventional degrees.
Unfortunately, critics often assume:
- Anything online is less valid
- Digital = easy or fake
- If a one-time processing fee is involved, it must be a scam
These assumptions are not only incorrect, but they reveal a deep misunderstanding of how modern recognition systems work — especially in a world where virtual events, e-certificates, and global collaboration are the norm.
The Reality Behind the Processing Fee
One of the loudest accusations is: “They charge money, so it must be fake.”
Let’s clarify. Most digital honorary recognitions involve a reasonable, transparent processing fee. This covers:
- Application vetting and background checks
- Preparation of official documents
- Hosting of the convocation (online or hybrid)
- Recording, design, dispatch, and archival
It is not a payment for the degree, but for the service around the award. The critics never explain how such a system could function for free at scale, especially if it aims to include people from all regions and professions.
Who Are the People Being Recognised?
The critics rarely speak about the awardees. But those who are being honoured include:
- School teachers who taught for 30+ years
- Social workers running women’s shelters
- Artists preserving tribal culture
- Entrepreneurs creating jobs in remote areas
- Spiritual guides, community leaders, and first-generation trainers
Are these not people who deserve recognition? Should they be denied the title “Dr (Hon)” simply because a critic on YouTube doesn’t understand the concept?
The Real Impact of These Recognitions
Many recipients use their honorary titles to:
- Add dignity to their CV or professional profile
- Speak at public events and seminars
- Gain access to higher networks for social work
- Inspire others in their community
- Show younger generations that recognition is possible
These outcomes are real, measurable, and positive. Yet the critics ignore them, focusing instead on paperwork and payment.
Why the Critics Should Be Questioned
Let’s ask: who are these YouTube critics really helping?
- Have they offered a platform for grassroots achievers?
- Do they provide any valid recognition systems themselves?
- Have they spoken to multiple awardees and institutions before commenting?
- Are they experts in academic policy, law, or education?
The answer to all these questions is usually no.
In many cases, their videos hurt people who’ve waited decades to be acknowledged. They create doubt and anxiety among families who should be celebrating. And worst of all, they discourage those who might be inspired to take pride in their recognition.
A Better Way to Approach the Conversation
Instead of spreading fear, a responsible critic would say:
- Make sure you understand what “honorary” means
- Check whether the university is registered and structured
- Use the title with dignity and clarity
- Do not misrepresent it in academic or legal documents
This would be fair advice, rooted in awareness — not sensationalism.
Conclusion
Honorary doctorates, especially from digital universities, are becoming a vital tool in today’s world of inclusive recognition. When awarded through a structured process, they bring pride, status, and emotional closure to countless individuals who have worked for society quietly, without reward.
YouTube videos and online criticisms should never be the final word. Instead of believing random opinions, people must do their own homework. Speak to those who’ve been honoured. Visit the university websites. Understand the intent.
In the end, it’s better to trust platforms that are recognising achievers — not those who are making noise just to gain views.
Because true honour comes from contribution — not from comments.