12 Little-Known Science Facts That Will Spark Your Curiosity

The Paradox of the Bystander Effect: Social Psychology

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present. This paradoxical behavior is attributed to a diffusion of responsibility, where each bystander assumes someone else will intervene. The effect was famously highlighted by the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, where multiple witnesses failed to act. Understanding the bystander effect has profound implications for social behavior and emergency response. Efforts to counteract this effect through public awareness and training programs aim to empower individuals to take action in critical situations, fostering a more responsive and compassionate society.