Have you ever witnessed an emergency situation, discrimination, and/or violence or aggression but did not take any action to help? Maybe you witnessed a peer getting bullied or heard loud screams from your neighbour’s home and wondered if you should respond. If so, you're not alone. This phenomenon is known as the bystander effect, and it is a common occurrence that can have serious consequences.
What is the Bystander Effect?
The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals do not intervene in an emergency situation because they assume that someone else will take action. In other words, the more people present during an emergency, the less likely any one individual is to help.
Why Does the Bystander Effect Occur?
There are broadly two factors underlying the bystander effect: diffusion of responsibility and social influence.
Diffusion of responsibility. When people are in a group, they assume that someone else will take action. It can also occur when individuals believe that their actions would not make a significant difference, or that someone else is better qualified or equipped to handle the situation. These examples culminate in a lack of personal sense of responsibility for helping, resulting in a situation where everyone assumes that someone else is going to help but no one does.
Social influence. In a group setting, individuals tend to monitor the behaviour of those around them to determine how to act. Subconsciously, we often refer to others to decide what is appropriate or inappropriate behavior. This can lead to a situation where everyone assumes that no one else is going to help, so they do not either.
It is important to note that the bystander effect is not a conscious decision to ignore someone in need. Rather, it is a subconscious response that is influenced by our social and psychological contexts.
How to Overcome the Bystander Effect
Fortunately, there are five ways to overcome the bystander effect and take action.
Recognise it. The first and most crucial step in overcoming the bystander effect is to recognize it. If you notice someone in distress or danger, do not assume that someone else will help. Instead, behave as if you are the first or sole witness to the problem. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and see if there is anything you can do to assist.
Stay aware of social pressure: It is essential to be aware of the social pressure that perpetuates the bystander effect. We might feel pressured to conform to social and cultural norms to ‘mind your own business’. However, this can lead to a situation where opportunity to intervene is missed due to the assumption that someone else would take action. To overcome this, be aware of your surroundings and take responsibility for your actions. If you see someone in distress, intervene directly and speak up or ask for help.
Confidently Take Small Actions: Even small gestures like offering assistance, calling for help or saying “stop” can have a significant impact. Do not worry about what others might think or say. If you believe that someone needs help, act on your instincts. Remember, you do not have to be a hero to make a difference. Every small act of kindness can go a long way.
Enlist the help of others: When enlisting the help of others, it is important to be specific with the help requested of them. People tend to feel more comfortable getting involved in a situation if they see that others are doing the same. If you notice someone in distress, try to get others involved by assigning specific responsibilities to individuals in a group. By assigning specific tasks, it reduces the diffusion of responsibility and increases the likelihood of someone taking action. For example, in an emergency situation, someone could be designated to call for help, while another person could be responsible for providing first aid.
Educate ourselves and others: It is crucial to educate yourself and others about the bystander effect. Understanding this phenomenon can help you recognise it and take action when needed. Encourage your friends and family to be aware of the bystander effect and to take steps to overcome it too. By working together, we can create a more compassionate and helpful society.
In conclusion, the bystander effect is a prevalent issue but it is not insurmountable. By recognising it, being confident, staying aware of social pressure, enlisting the help of others, and educating ourselves and others, we can overcome the bystander effect to create a safer and more compassionate community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone's life.
Relevant reads
Bystander Effect | Psychology Today Singapore
Silent witnesses of domestic violence: Why do neighbours keep mum about abuse? | The Straits Times
Why it is so hard for family to break the silence on child abuse | The Straits Times
Bystander intervention tip sheet (apa.org)
Bystander Effect: What Is It and What You Can Do About It (healthline.com)