A study has found that our happiness depends not only on what happens to us, but also on what happens to other people. This seems like a no-brainer, but the research has broader implications, demonstrating that how we experience inequality directly affects how altruistic we are.

We feel good when we give. Whether it’s time, money or skills, it doesn’t matter – we’ve all felt it. But helping a neighbour with some heavy lifting feels different to donating money to a foreign charity. Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Lara Aknin to understand what makes us feel good about giving.

Charitable actions sometimes involve giving something that represents the self – be it a name via a signature, personal possessions or a blood donation. And a study shows that this kind of giving can – in the long run – be more beneficial to charities than monetary donations alone.

You’re 33% more likely to achieve a goal if you share it with a friend, and 72% more likely if money is on the line. Promise or Pay is a platform that combines these findings from behavioural science to create a more engaging way to improve oneself while contributing to positive social change.