Bystander Effect
By akopoto
@akopoto (177)
Philippines
March 8, 2007 8:14am CST
I was just hanging around in porch of my friend's house when a very old lady one block away from mymy friend's house tried to cross the street. I was shocked when I saw the lady collapse in the middle of the street. What was more shocking was the people in the streets didn't even dare to help the poor old lady. They just started to stare at the lady and stare at one another for about 20 seconds. They should have immediately helped the lady. Now I believe that bystander effect is for real.
1 person likes this
1 response
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
8 Mar 07
I do not know what the bystander effect is, could you explain it?
I hope that you went to help her!! I know I would have at 1 second not 20. I think it is awful that people do not want to get involved to the point that they would let an elderly woman lie in the street! It is appalling!
@akopoto (177)
• Philippines
8 Mar 07
I can't help because I was too far away and I expect that the people near to her will help her immediately. Well, bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where a person is less likely to intervene in an emergency when in a crowd than when he or she is alone. Another example is when a woman drops her things in front of 5 men, the guys are less likely to act immediately than when they are alone. Less is likely to be given if more people are present.
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
8 Mar 07
Ah wisdom added!
I still would have made my way over to her. Even if she was up and okay, the mere idea that no one cared was given , and any attempt to aid would have been accepted I am sure.
I make it my mission in life to help others. I know that no matter the distance, I would have made an attempt. If it was totally impossible, I would have gone over later to check on her.
Did anyone help her after all?
