Bystander Effect Definition

The definition of ‘The Bystander Effect’ is a social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases, which individuals do not help to a victim when other people are present. The Bystander effect was present in the case of Kitty Genovese. The witnesses of this murder did not call the police nor aid her when she was screaming for help. They waited until the last minute to call the police. This very case has stupefied many people, so they have decided to do more in depth research on the bystander effect phenomenon. New information about this phenomenon has risen from the research of many psychologists. What they have found is one of the main reasons why the bystander effect happens is because of Diffusion of Responsibility, which is the sense of responsibility decrease with the more witnesses present at the situation (Psychrod). Also, another reason is because of Pluralistic Ignorance, which is if a witness sees another witness not taking the situation seriously then they will too not take the situation serious because other people don’t think it is important why should they (Psychrod).
Psychologists Darley and Latene were the first to demonstrate the bystander effect after the case …show more content…
According to Irene the founder of Kidpower and Executive Director, the people around you might not respond because their disbelief, fear, not knowing what to do, or denial can lead to the Bystander Effect. To break through the bystander effect it is best to give loud and clear directions. For example, someone may have gotten shot and is lying down on the ground in a puddle of blood. People are just staring in awe not knowing what to do, You start yelling directions to people like “ CALL THE POLICE” or “TRY TO STOP THE BLEEDING”. After you start screaming those directions people will start to get moving and help the person and actually save the person, instead of just standing there and looking in