Bystander effect

Definition

The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The probability of assistance decreases as the number of bystanders increases, due to a diffusion of responsibility among the group.

Related terms

Social loafing: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.

Diffusion of responsibility: A sociopsychological phenomenon whereby a person is less likely to take responsibility for action or inaction when others are present.

Group dynamics: The study of groups and how they form, interact, make decisions, and function both internally and externally