The Bystander Effect | The Science of Empathy

We’d all like to consider ourselves helpful people, but are we always quick to lend a hand whenever the opportunity arises? In this episode of The Science of Empathy, we tested, through various scenarios, just how long it would take for people to offer assistance to someone struggling right in front of them.

CREDITS:
Executive Producer | Mike Bernstein
Executive Producer | Matt Pittman
Executive Producer | Bayan Joonam
Executive Producer | Shabnam Mogharabi
Director | Zach Wechter
Writer / Host | Julian Huguet
Producer | Hashem Selph
Prod. Coordinator | Tiffany Hutson
Casting Director | Pardis Sullins
DP | Jake Menache
Camera Operator | Fio Occhipinti
Camera Operator | Cory Driskill
1st AC | Jay Janocko
Gaffer | Sam Heesen
Sound Mixer | Eric Bucklin
Production Designer | Michelle Hall
Set Dresser | Valerie Sakmary

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[leatherback]

Gosh, the bystander effect is one of the oldest tricks in the book you learn in school, and yet I found myself wincing by the end of this video as I clearly remembered a number of moments when I didn't help someone because there were other people around (or people already helping), even though I consider myself a helpful person. This is a great reminder, thank you.

[faitharooo]

I'm reminded of this one time, I was taking the trash out at work & I had loaded everything up onto this cart:
4 trash bags filled to the brim & a BUNCH of cardboard. There was a pedestrian crossing that I had to take to get to the dumpster, but when I got to the middle of the crossing, all the cardboard fell off the cart & 1 trash bag ripped open, spilling all over the street. I was blocking traffic on both sides & panicking because everyone was staring at me. There were even people who were crossing the street who just looked as they passed by. The only way I got through was when 2 people (who were waiting to be seated at a restaurant just across the street) saw what happened and ran over to help me. I couldn't thank them enough. The lady said she didn't even THINK about not helping me, she saw all the stuff falling & she dropped everything and ran. It seriously meant a lot! <3 ^_^

[DJapan]

The problem I see with this test is the environment. The bystanders have a role to play. Their job is to sit and watch the presentation. The professional's job is to set up the presentation and present it. So these results may be skewed.

[jmariwright]

I think past experiences play a role as well. If you witnessed a negative response to someone helping another person you may be WAY less likely to do it again.

[ameliacave]

I feel like some people also either took more time bc they wanted to make sure he actually needed help, didn't know how to put up a tent either so didn't think they'd be much help, or just didn't wanna make the guy feel like he was incapable of doing things on his own

[Fuar]

I think that they just think they aren't supposed to help. Because they were told that's not what they were there for.

[sockpuppie]

I've certainly witnessed that in my life. Helps to be aware of it so you can do something about it.

[chibaby]

u guys need to be on TV!!! this is so needed in our nation! nowadays, people just pull out their cell phones to record instead of stepping in. thank u guys for all u do!!!

[laurennewell]

They teach us this (but less detailed) in lifesaving courses. When you need a bystander, you have to be really specific. So, instead of saying “hey could someone help me?”, say “you in the red shorts, could you help me?” Useful tip

[wheredoducksgo]

I've never put a tent up and because it's a product he has brought in I would assume he would be able to do it better than I could. I'd be worried I'd offer to help and end up not having a clue what to do and make the whole thing worse/ruin it. I'd be sitting there wondering if anyone else has the experience/skill of putting up a tent and if so, they could help him.

Ps. The girl at 3:03 😍.

[RascalHooligan]

Struggling with a tent is completely different from a scenario in which someone may be getting physically or emotionally assaulted. I feel like the responses to help out were out of politeness, or courtesy (learned reactions), as opposed to helping someone out of empathy (involved reactions).

[politesmile]

As an introvert, if I had offered help and he said “no thank you”, I would have sat in my chair sweating until I died of embarrassment.

[Sam-rwnx]

I always have the mentality that if I don’t do it, nobody else will

[baileyandthejets]

I guess this is why you hear stories about people getting raped in NYC and nobody stopping to help. I find it a little disconcerting because the population goes up every day, so do our chances of receiving help also go down every day?

[erikab]

I feel this is a lesson adults need to learn again. In a time of so much hatred and division, the bystander effect is in full view. So easy on social media to do/say nothing when you know what is right/wrong.

[toukendanshiwarrior]

If one person by themselves in this situation, I bet they'll feel like they had to help as they're the only one who can help and expected to help.

[Inlieuofsue]

I don't think this is a good illustration. There were instructions to sit and take a survey while the expert (one doing the alleged demo) set up. It could be perceived as rude to step in and show the expert how to do hi/her job.

[alisiajennings]

Brilliant video. I would and have in many situations would jump in and help.

[beealittlebug]

i watched this years ago in 6th grade. it just kinda stuck with me. now, every day, when there's somebody who needs help when there's a crowd and i hesitate, this video always pops up in my mind. it makes me move. thank you for reminding me of how i can be a better person❤

[brookebuchanan]

With my year 6 Positive Education class watching this video about kindness and they wanted to let you know that they liked it. Thanks for creating these videos. All the way from Harrow Beijing!