Why We Help
Discover the psychology behind human cooperation and altruism. NYU researchers Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer reveal why we help strangers, how group identity shapes charitable behavior, and what motivates extraordinary acts of kindness.
What You'll Master
Understand the evolutionary and psychological roots of helping behavior
Learn why humans evolved to help others, how empathy develops, and what brain mechanisms drive altruistic actions toward both friends and strangers.
Discover how group membership shapes what we believe to be true
Explore how in-group favoritism and social identity affect charitable giving, volunteer work, and willingness to sacrifice for others.
Master the social and environmental factors that increase helping behavior
Learn what situations make people more likely to help, from bystander effects to social norms that encourage or discourage altruistic actions.
Apply insights to increase prosocial behavior in yourself and others
Use research-backed strategies to cultivate empathy, build stronger communities, and design environments that promote cooperation and mutual aid.
Understand the dark side of helping and when good intentions backfire
Explore how helping can sometimes harm, perpetuate inequality, or serve selfish motives disguised as altruism.
Your Altruism Understanding Journey
1. Explore the Science of Human Cooperation
Discover the evolutionary, psychological, and neurological foundations of why humans are uniquely cooperative compared to other species.
2. Understand Group Psychology and Social Identity
Learn how belonging to groups shapes who we help, when we help, and how group loyalty can both promote and limit altruistic behavior.
3. Apply Research to Build More Cooperative Communities
Use insights from social psychology to foster helping behavior, reduce prejudice, and create environments where people naturally support each other.
What's in Every Imprint Subscription?
120+ courses taught by world-class experts
Visual, interactive lessons
New lessons added weekly
30-day risk free guarantee
An Award-Winning Experience
"Imprint makes learning more engaging and memorable. They're transforming the way we learn now."
-Google Play Store
APP OF THE
YEAR
ESSENTIAL
EDUCATION APP
APP OF THE
DAY
