From Just Giving Facebook updates to wearing H&M’s Conscious Collection, public displays of philanthropy have become a symbol of status. But does it really matter that these new do-gooders are motivated only by people seeing them do good if the outcome is still positive?

People are willing to show support for social causes – provided they don't have to do much - and brands are finding new ways to tap into the strength of the herd. By re-engineering menial actions – from buying body lotion to having sex – there are ways to reward everyone.

Kony 2012 achieved 100 million views in under one week, becoming the first viral video in history to do so. Like it or not, the campaign has resonated with millions of teenagers worldwide. How?

From the NSA scandal to the ‘white lies’ people often tell themselves, the world seems riddled with more deceit than ever. We sat down with acclaimed behavioural economist Dan Ariely to learn more about the driving forces behind dishonesty.