The Bystander Effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a person in distress when others are present. The more people present, the less likely it is that any one person will intervene.
Contributing Factors:
- Diffusion of responsibility: When others are present, individuals may feel less personal responsibility to help. They assume someone else will take action.
- Ambiguity: If the situation is unclear, people may be hesitant to intervene, fearing embarrassment or making a mistake.
- Evaluation apprehension: Concern about how others might perceive their behavior can prevent people from helping.
- Pluralistic ignorance: If no one else appears alarmed, individuals may conclude that there is no emergency.
Understanding the bystander effect is crucial for addressing issues related to helping behavior and promoting social responsibility.