The Bystander Effect is when we don’t offer help, or are less likely to, when other people are present. It’s not a lack of compassion—often, it’s just the way our brains are wired.

Studies have shown that individually, up to 70% of people will offer assistance when someone needs help. But when we’re part of a group, that number drops to under 40%.

When We Stand By Instead of Standing Up

Everyone has been a bystander at some point in their lives. Think back to school—did you always stand up to a bully? Did you avoid talking to someone because your friend didn’t like them?

It’s not just about indifference. It’s about how our minds work when we’re part of a crowd.

Why Do We Do This?

The Bystander Effect is driven by a few key factors:

1. Diffusion of Responsibility:

When there’s a group of people present, everyone assumes someone else will step in. It’s the same reason dishes pile up after Christmas lunch—everyone thinks someone else will clean up. In emergency situations, it’s even worse. We assume trained professionals or authorities will handle it, especially in societies where we’re taught to trust police, local government, or councils to resolve problems.

2. Social Responsibility and Uncertainty:

In emergencies, it’s often hard to work out what’s happening, let alone how to help. When we’re unsure, we tend to look to others for guidance. If everyone around us is standing still, we’re more likely to do the same.

3. Following the Herd:

People are wired for cooperation. It’s not flattering, but it’s true—we tend to follow the crowd. Individually, people often rise to the occasion and act heroically. But put us together, and we often take our cues from those around us. If others are passive, we become passive, too.

How can we fix this?

Verywell has a useful suggestion – in times of emergency, make eye contact with one person, and ask for help. Say ‘hey you, in the red shirt’. This will individualise the circumstance again, and should stop diffusion of responsibility.

Once one person stands up, other people begin to follow, thereby reducing the impact of the bystander effect.

Individually, people are often heroes. Together, we can be even better if we understand why we hesitate and how to push past that hesitation.

Furtherlinks: ‘Breaking the bystander effect and saving lives’ – ABC News Australia 

The Cool Psychologist – Youtube Video on the Bystander Effect

Until next time, Emma.