To inspire people to give, be public about your giving

Abstract

Motivated by the aim of inspiring others to give more to charity, this work investigates the issue of why people tend to donate less than their true capacity. Emphasizing the influence of norms and social expectations, the work argues that people often refrain from giving out of a desire to avoid seeming self-interested, a fear of being suckered into giving disproportionately, and a reluctance to deviate from prevailing norms of self-interest. The work proposes counteracting these inhibitions by making giving public, thereby shifting norms and inspiring others to give more. By challenging the self-interest norm, making giving visible, and framing the act of donation as virtuous and expected, the work aims to change individuals’ perceptions, spark discussions, and increase the overall level of charitable giving. – AI-generated abstract.