What is the biggest barrier that prevents people contributing to a good causes.

[DasPoncho]

I'm doing a group university project on solving problems. Something we identified is that thanks to social media, tv and the internet, people are more aware of problems in their own communities and around the world. But it seems to be the norm that people say "yeah that's a bad situation and it shouldn't be like that" but then don't do anything to help the situation. Why is there a gap between the empathy felt and actually doing something to help? Personally I have always felt I need to sort myself out (an ongoing process) before trying to help people I don't know. Do you feel the same way? Have we lost confidence in the charity models that have been used for so many years? Maybe you want to help but can't afford to give money and you don't know how else you can help.
Do you agree? Do you disagree? What are your thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX7A2UPAGcc

[Zeuhl]

All the evidence is that people give just as generously to major appeals and emergencies as they ever have e.g. 'children in need' and 'tsunami'

Cynicism about third world corruption has effected income for overseas development charities but only slightly

Economic recession has reduced most charity incomes overall but that is expected and largely due to the reduced value of houses left in estates

The profile of regular givers remains as it ever was; 60-plus. Younger people always have more calls on their money. Today's 60 plus people are just as generous as those 25 years ago