Psychology
What is The bystander effect?
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.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the bystander effect.
Key things to understand
- 1People help less when others are present.
- 2Responsibility feels 'diffused' across the crowd.
- 3Each person assumes someone else will act.
- 4Naming a specific person to help can break the effect.
Frequently asked questions
- 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.