• Psychology -> Social and Personality Psychology

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Can altruism be learned or is it innate?

Chanelle Grimbaldeston

Altruism is when you do something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return. Some people think that being altruistic comes naturally, like it's a part of who you are. Others think that you can learn to be more altruistic by practicing and being mindful of how you treat others.

There is some evidence to suggest that there may be some biological factors that contribute to altruistic behavior. For example, studies have shown that when people donate to charity, the reward centers in their brain light up, which suggests that it could be linked to making us feel good.

However, there are also many examples of people who have learned to be more altruistic over time. For example, volunteering at a shelter, practicing random acts of kindness, or simply making an effort to be kinder to others can all help to build up our ability to be more selfless.

Ultimately, whether altruism is innate or learned may not be that important. What matters more is that we all try to be kind and caring towards others, as it can have a big impact on both our own happiness and the happiness of those around us. So, if you're looking to be more altruistic, start small and build from there. Maybe offer to help a friend with their homework, pick up trash in your local park, or simply smile and say hello to someone who looks like they could use a friendly face. Every little bit helps!