bystanders

A bystander is a person who witnesses an event, especially an emergency or wrongdoing, but is not directly involved as a participant. Bystanders may observe situations in public, at work, or online. Their actions or inactions can influence outcomes, including the speed and likelihood of timely help.

In social psychology, the bystander effect refers to the phenomenon whereby individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present. Early experiments by Latane and Darley showed diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance playing roles; subsequent research has refined understanding, noting that outcomes depend on context, the severity of the event, and how information is perceived.

Bystanders can take several roles: actively intervene, seek help, provide information, or simply warn others, document, or shield the victim. Interventions are more likely when the situation is clear, the danger is low, and the observer feels capable of helping. Training and public campaigns can increase safe intervention and reduce harm.

Legal and ethical considerations vary by jurisdiction. Some places have Good Samaritan laws or mandates to assist in emergencies, while others emphasize personal risk. Ethical norms often encourage assisting those in need, but individuals weigh potential harm, liability, and risk to themselves. In the digital age, bystander behavior also applies to online harassment and sharing of evidence.