This is a term which tends to relate to the idea that people have only so much empathy and giving in themselves. In other words, if they are over-exposed to the sort of stimuli that make them exhibit compassionate behaviours, such as giving, then they will no longer do so, at least not as freely. The term is widely used in the charity and fundraising sectors to explain why the public responds very well at times to certain campaigns and not to others. There is no scientific basis for the argument that society is more compassionate at some times compared to others, however. Indeed, it could be argued that the whole concept fatigue is there to place the onus on poorly performing charitable campaigns on the public rather than the fundraisers behind them.