Bystander effect

When you see a stranger in distress, do you run towards them or away?

The bystander affect is an interesting phenomenon whereby many people witness an event happening, such as a mugging, an attack, etc. But the more people that are in the crowd, the less likely it is that any one of them will run to help, or to call 911, being that everyone thinks that someone else will do it.

A famous story used to illustrate this effect is the Murder of Kitty Genovese. A woman who was murdered outside her home, and neighbors heard her screaming and did not go to help.

It is unfortunate, but pretty common.


Also it's natural to not want to get involved, especially if there's a possibility of personal harm.

But what if you needed help and everyone stood and stared and said, hey anyone got a light?

If you see something, say something. Do something.