Bystander Effect

The bystander effect, or bystander apathy, is a social psychological phenomenon in which individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The greater the number of bystanders, the less likely it is that any one of them will help. Several factors contribute to the bystander effect, including ambiguity, cohesiveness and diffusion of responsibility.

Have you ever noticed the people surrounding a car crash or a train wreck or some other disastrous event? There are those wearing florescent vest with large words on the back of organizations who hire people to go into these situations and clean up the mess while the others stand around gawking. Some may just be there to pick up leftover wallets or laptops or souvenirs but most want to stand around, get in the way and play sideline detective to enhance their dull lives.

The news will show a brief video of the carnage, but the bystander was there, on the scene with maybe an interview for brief fame or just a selfie recollection for friends and family.

The bystander is the audience who doesn’t participate but watches the show from the wings to criticize later. A bystander will buy a program or a jersey or t-shirt to associate without any effort.

The bystander may be the top in their field but not noticed in the news hour or have a viral video on the Internet. A bystander is not on the red carpet or spotlighted and even if part of the team, sits on the sidelines to watch the play just like the rest of the ticket holders.

Today the bystander can comment on their beliefs, feelings, and criticisms or prejudges to more than local family and friends through the Internet. With phone selfies a bystander can be the star of their own movie.

With today’s world events and political and social mayhem, it is easy to watch from afar and not get involved.

The bystander still pays the consequences.