There was a recent radio program that reported the research. Psychology Today
Basically what they found was that peoples' perception of pain was less after an altruistic act. Say, random acts of kindness or giving to charity. Dopamine & oxytocin levels in the brain are implicated.

On the downside there is the problem of the cashless society and the mechanisms for giving to charity. Something I have come across in being involved in a free Folk Festival Stroud Folk Weekend. It was suggested, in committee, additional to the buckets for collecting, we should consider contactless terminals. Which, ultimately, it was reasoned were not financially viable.

But, in my mind, it poses 2 points

1) Societies, generally are becoming less friendly on the micro and macro scale. Is the cashless society one more driver here?

2) Is the reverse true? And does it explain the less than charitable sniping by some of this parish (other social media are available). Should we not say to them "up the meds", but instead say "go contribute, ya misanthrope!"?

Have a nice day (now I feel better)