The Bystander Effect

Ironically, I learnt some interesting insights on this phenomenon during a family lunch one Sunday. My aunt, who was visiting from India, had read an article describing how a ‘damsel in distress’ scenario was reenacted by some journalists in a crowded street and nobody came forward to help. Naturally, most of the other people at lunch expressed disappointment over this. However, my mother seemed unsurprised, and explained that this was actually quite a common and well studied phenomenon in psychology called the ‘bystander effect’.

She explained that in a situation where people see unacceptable behaviour and/or a need to help, studies show that if there are a large number of people in the vicinity, it is more likely that nobody will do anything. There were several reasons for this. First, people are easily susceptible to social influence, meaning they observe what others do and act accordingly (i.e. follow the crowd). Thus, if nobody else is doing anything, they do nothing. Second, where there are a large number of people, there is a diffusion of responsibility, and nobody feels individually responsible for what is going on. People assume someone else will do something about it. Third, bystanders may not believe they have the capability to help out. For example, if someone has passed out, the ordinary bystander may believe that this is something a doctor should attend to. Fourth, bystanders may fear the repercussions of getting involved. For example, if a group of people are fighting and they try to break up the fight, there is a risk both parties may turn on them.

However, another important finding in these studies is that if someone came forward to help in the emergency situation, there is a higher chance that others will do so too. This is probably the first reason above, social influence, at work. If other bystanders see someone helping, they are more likely follow suit. This is especially so if all bystanders recognize that the situation does indeed call for help.

From On Bar Fights and Bystanders

Leverage of leadership... sometimes all it takes to make a difference, is a willing to be different. Remember David the shepherd-boy versus Goliath the professional champion? You're never too small to speak up, to stand out and to stand up.