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What is the bystander effect?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The bystander effect is a phenomenon where people are less likely to help someone in trouble when other people are around. The more witnesses there are, the more each one assumes someone else will step in. People help less when others are present.

Key things to understand

  1. People help less when others are present.
  2. Responsibility feels 'diffused' across the crowd.
  3. Each person assumes someone else will act.
  4. Naming a specific person to help can break the effect.

People also ask

What is the bystander effect?
The tendency for people to be less likely to help a victim when other bystanders are present.
Why does the bystander effect happen?
Responsibility is spread across the group, so each person assumes someone else will act.
How can you overcome the bystander effect?
Single out one person directly — 'You, call for help' — to assign clear responsibility.