Yes, I think the photographer's intent is enough to count as active involvement. When a photographer is able to move the masses with a single shot then they have achieved their goal and have potentially triggered a few people to take action on an issue. That person may then move on to the next pain, whether it be a picture of a different scene of suffering or it be completely different like trash in a once beautiful lake.

As the viewer I would say it becomes more gray. If you are moved physcologically to a realization then you have actively taken part of the photographer's goal which could have been to instill a sense of feeling for these people. But it can also be seen as "wow that is horrible" (swipe next) which can be taken as just spectating. If the viewer even shares the image with friends by posting it to social media or spreading a link then awareness is being spread. Though not every person who sees it may even care, even that small sprinkle of people who do can reciprocate the action. Generally how news and images are spread.