I don't think this is an either/or topic.

I think that some people genuinely have low self-esteem and are not seeking any personal gain while some people exaggerate or fabricate low self-esteem for some personal gain. My personal experience is that the vast majority of people with low self-esteem are genuine.

I'm concerned that people who have genuine low self-esteem will face scrutiny instead of empathy which may have tragic consequences.