What is the bystander effect?

Did you know that you are more likely to receive help in a secluded alley than in a crowded mall? Many people are discouraged from intervening in an emergency in the presence of a crowd. This is known as the bystander effect. The bystander effect is a social phenomenon that refers to the reduced likelihood of individuals offering help during an emergency situation when other people are present.  

Social psychologists have explained the bystander effect as a result of two factors: diffusion of responsibility and social influence. Diffusion of responsibility illustrates that when there is a large group present, people feel less personal responsibility to act as they assume someone else will take action. Social influence means that individuals access the behavior of those around them and base their actions on those around them. This can lead to a situation where nobody takes action to help the person in an emergency. It is important to be aware of the bystander effect and to take steps to overcome it in an emergency. 

One of the biggest challenges when trying to help someone in need is feeling scared or unsure about what to do. This is especially true when there are other people around who could also help. You might be worried about making a mistake or causing more harm. Fear is often the main thing holding people back from taking action. One of the best ways to overcome this is by taking a few first-aid courses. Feeling prepared can help reduce the fear of stepping in during an emergency. If you feel more confident that you can provide proper help, it becomes easier to overcome the tendency to stand by and not take action when you see someone in need. 

In addition, it is important to be aware of the power of social influence and to use it to your advantage.  If you find yourself in a situation where nobody is taking action, you can take the lead by calling out to specific people by saying “You in the pink shirt, call 911”, or “ You in the suit, go get an AED”. This way people feel a more personal responsibility and can help you save a life. 

In conclusion, the bystander effect is a real phenomenon that can prevent individuals from helping others in an emergency. However, there are ways to overcome this trend and take action when it's needed.  By being aware of the factors that contribute to the bystander effect, we can take steps to overcome them.  By working together, we can all help create a safer and more supportive community. Stay confident! Learn about first aid!

SOURCES CITED:

Staff, Psychology Today. “Bystander Effect.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 2024, www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/bystander-effect.

Defibsplusau. “What Is the Bystander Effect and How Can We Overcome It?” DefibsPlus, 16 June 2022, defibsplus.com.au/what-is-the-bystander-effect-and-how-can-we-overcome-it/#:~:text=Understanding%20the%20Bystander%20Effect,is%20more%20qualified%20to%20assist.  

duehring1202. “CPR Bystander Effect: How to Overcome It.” EMC CPR & Safety Training, 28 Jan. 2024, www.emccprtraining.com/cpr-bystander-effect/.

Written by: Shifa Shanofer