Studies show that our ability to empathise has greatly diminished over the last 30 years. It’s due in part to the uptake of smartphones and social media – we’re all too busy thinking about ourselves. But while it might be part of the problem, could technology also be used to make us more empathetic?

When tragedies happen on the other side of the world, it's easy for people to switch off from the reality of the situation, since it's not happening to them. And this was evident in the initial response to the Syrian refugee crisis. But an ad by Amnesty International is bringing it to life.

In response to plummeting levels of empathy in the US, cultural thinker and writer Roman Krznaric has created a library of books and films specifically designed to help users to step into the shoes of other people and view the world from their perspective.

While celebrities and brands are championing trans issues in the public eye, fear and discrimination are still prevalent in the lives of many transgender individuals. Through her project Nail Transphobia, Charlie Craggs is fighting prejudice through free manicures and a friendly chat.