From Just Giving Facebook updates to wearing H&M’s Conscious Collection, public displays of philanthropy have become a symbol of status. But does it really matter that these new do-gooders are motivated only by people seeing them do good if the outcome is still positive?

Would you consider sharing your personal problems on Instagram? While in the West, women might sit down with a friend and tell them their woes over a cuppa or even catch an episode of Oprah, women in Nigeria are turning to a very different friend – Instagram-based agony aunt Fatibolady.

After taking the time to visit the doctor and waiting an hour at a pharmacy, no one wants to hear that their medication isn't in stock. Online service Capsule wants to resolve the pain points associated with conventional chemists, delivering prescription drugs straight to New Yorkers’ doors.

What are the main challenges threatening pharmacies today? Can independents survive amid an online takeover? And how are they adapting to in an increasingly fierce and regulated market? In the first of a two-part report, Canvas8 explores how the way we buy medicine is changing.