Giving Back: Restoring Hope in the Face of Fear

The last couple years we witnessed devastating tragedy. Winds, floods and fires engulfed communities, destroyed lives, changing life forever for many unfortunate victims. Many readers were directly impacted by these disasters. Others remotely watched, sharing pain from a distance. Grim details and rising deaths shocked our conscious.

The world is faced with a frightening trend. Many nations’ political powers are pulling back, becoming more protective and nationalistic. America has notably joined in this movement with their bombastic-self-centered leader. Leaders seldom rise to power without support of the people. Trump didn’t create the people; the people created the Trump. We need to re-examine this self-absorbed movement, make corrections, and realign ourselves to greater purposes.

Seldom does a single cause changes mainstream ideology. Certainly, there are notable fears. Terrorism impacts our sense of security. The daily reports of senseless mass killings frightens our stability. Modern technology spreads discontent. Superficial internet relationships increasingly replace wholesome connections, contributing to the epidemic of loneliness and social anxieties.

The world population has grown exponentially, creating growing concerns on environment and resources. At the turn of the nineteenth century, the world population remained under one billion people; now there is in excess of 7 billion. The answer to our continued existence lies in large scale cooperation and not a deadly game (prisoner’s dilemma) where everyone loses with the destruction of this planet.

Key Definition:

Giving Back refers to the practice of giving back to the world. We routinely take but the survival and flourishing of the world and its occupants requires that those taking also give back to its bountiful beauty.

We Complain and Do Nothing

Social media has undeniably become a prominent platform for venting frustrations and airing grievances. It has provided people with a medium to voice their concerns, express discontent, and highlight various issues that they feel passionate about. However, amidst this outpouring of complaints and criticisms, there often seems to be a lack of tangible action or meaningful change. It’s as if we’ve cultivated a culture of complaining without the subsequent follow-through to address the underlying problems. Rather than mobilizing into proactive engagement, it seems that many individuals are content with merely vocalizing their dissatisfaction from the comfort of their homes, behind the shield of a digital screen.

This phenomenon raises important questions about the efficacy of social media as a catalyst for real change. Are we genuinely utilizing this powerful tool to effect positive change, or are we simply amplifying the echo chamber of grievances without taking concrete steps towards resolution? While social media has the potential to galvanize communities, raise awareness, and spark movements, it also runs the risk of fostering a passive and complacent approach to societal issues. The real concern may not solely lie within the world’s problems, but rather within the abundance of individuals who highlight these issues but remain inert in the face of actionable solutions.

In this light, it becomes evident that the disconnect between identifying problems and actively contributing to their resolution is a critical aspect of contemporary social dynamics. It prompts us to reflect on the responsibilities that come with voicing concerns and the necessity of bridging the gap between complaint and action. As we navigate the intricate landscape of social media activism, it becomes imperative to assess our own roles in this virtual realm and consider how we can meaningfully translate words into purposeful deeds, thereby contributing to genuine and enduring change.

See Change Through Action for more on this topic

Reverse the Fear and Hatred

Where do we start? How do we reverse this trend of selfishness and fear?

Douglas Kenrick wrote:

“Human beings are ultimately designed not to seek ecstatic happiness from dawn to dusk but to be linked into a supportive web with other human beings. Indeed, two of the bedrock principles of evolutionary biology are kin selection and reciprocal altruism” (Kenrick, 2011).

Large scale changes start with small shifts. When individuals begin to reach out, nations will follow. We still can see good in the face of disaster. Fellow humans working to save strangers. A tragedy brings a sense of commonality—a shared experience.

Many, however, maintain emotional distance. We distance ourselves from suffering, finding safety in biased judgements, blaming victims, and remaining indifferent to suffering. Sadly, calloused hearts remain untouched by human suffering, allowing difference in skin color or political allegiances to interfere with shared humanity. The pain on the other side of the country is no less tragic than pain next door.

With selfishness, we create the conditions for wide collapse. The grappling over limited resources will surely be our demise.

The Science of Giving

Scientific studies suggest we benefit from giving, but, perhaps, if we give for self gain, we lose much of the blessings. We should do good because we care, and we want others to benefit. The psychological rewards are just an additional perk.

As we engage in joyfulness of life, close the gap, open your hearts and give. When we give, we begin a trend. Find a cause, empathize with suffering, and become part of the solution. The world is full of riches and poverty. The world is full of joyfulness and hurt. We shouldn’t overly busy ourselves with our small speck of existence while ignoring the masses.

Associated Concepts

The Primary Dilemma: This refers to a fundamental philosophical and psychological concept that revolves around the conflict between our basic desires and the constraints of social integration.
Social Exchange Theory: This theory posits that prosocial behavior is a result of a cost-benefit analysis where individuals help others with the expectation of future reciprocation or benefits.
Social Skills: These refer to the abilities and behaviors that enable individuals to interact effectively with others in various social situations. These skills include communication, active listening, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and the ability to understand and navigate social cues.
Prosocial Behaviors: These refers to voluntary actions intended to benefit others or society as a whole. This can include acts of kindness, cooperation, sharing, and helping, often without any expectation of rewards or benefits in return.
Social Capital Theory: This sociological concept refers to the value of social networks and the resources available within those networks. It emphasizes the importance of social relationships, trust, and cooperation in achieving collective goals.
Cooperation: This refers to the process where individuals work together towards a common goal, often requiring mutual understanding, communication, and coordination. This collaborative effort can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, promoting social cohesion and interdependence among individuals or groups.
Realistic Conflict Theory: This theory theory developed by Muzafer Sherif and his colleagues that suggests that intergroup conflict arises from competition over limited resources. When groups perceive that they are competing for scarce resources, such as land, jobs, or social status, hostility and prejudice between the groups can escalate.
Empathy: this emotion is a primary glue bonding us to others. It can be classified into several types, including cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassionate empathy.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

By throwing our pebble of kindness into the world pond, we begin a ripple of something better, filling the expansive emptiness that is crushing the human spirit.

Reach out, find a cause and give.

Last Update: December 4, 2025

References:

Kenrick, Douglas T. (2011). Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life: A Psychologist Investigates How Evolution, Cognition, and Complexity are Revolutionizing our View of Human Nature. Basic Books; 1st edition. ISBN: 978-0-465-03234-1; APA Record: 2011-01298-000
(Back to Article)