Ever seen someone beg a bank teller to waive over-limit fees or extend their overdraft? Following a number of banks being called out on mistreating and mis-selling to vulnerable customers, UK institutions have been ordered to train their staff to empathise with those that are in a tight spot.

Studies show that our ability to empathise has greatly diminished over the last 30 years. It’s due in part to the uptake of smartphones and social media – we’re all too busy thinking about ourselves. But while it might be part of the problem, could technology also be used to make us more empathetic?

The global cost of mental healthcare is set to exceed $6 trillion by 2030, and as dementia, depression and anxiety afflict a greater number of people, it’s unlikely that existing treatment options will be able to meet demand. Can tech, drugs or video games provide a viable alternative?

With over 400 million users, Instagram is awash with over-edited beauty ideals and luxurious lifestyles that can leave some people questioning their self-worth. To combat this, the social platform has launched a new tool intended to support people with mental health issues.