Bystander Effect

What possible explanations do we have for the bystander effect in the year 2011?

Everyone should have a chance to view this video. It is an eye opening experience. You will see a behavior called the bystander effect. Perhaps if more people view this video, there will be a lesser chance of the bystander effect occurring.

On May 30, Angel Torres was struck while crossing the street in downtown Hartford Connecticut - and fell victim to not only a reckless driver, but the "bystander effect" as well.

Throughout history, humans have struggled over the question, 'Why do we help people?' Is it an intrinsic trait unique to certain individuals? Is it a matter of culture? Why are people motivated to help others?

It is a familiar scene. Someone is hurt or otherwise in need of help, but no one stops. We figure, "oh, someone else will help." This is the phenomenon known to social psychologists as the Bystander Effect.