What is the bystander intervention problem?

The bystander intervention problem refers to the tendency for individuals to not intervene or take action when they witness another person being harassed, assaulted, or otherwise harmed. This phenomenon can be influenced by various factors, including:

Pluralistic ignorance: This occurs when individuals mistakenly believe that no one else is intervening, leading to a collective inaction.

Diffusion of responsibility: With multiple individuals present, the responsibility to act may feel diffused, making it less likely that any single person will intervene.

Fear of consequences: Intervening may carry potential risks, such as retaliation from the perpetrator or negative social consequences for the intervener.

Social norms: Prevailing cultural and societal norms may discourage intervention or prioritize conformity over individual action.

Lack of skills: Individuals may lack the knowledge or skills to effectively intervene, such as how to de-escalate a situation or provide assistance.

The bystander intervention problem has significant implications for understanding and addressing various forms of social harm, such as bullying, sexual harassment, and assault. It highlights the need for promoting individual responsibility, developing intervention strategies, and fostering supportive social environments that encourage and facilitate action in the face of harmful behavior.