What is a potential result of the bystander effect?

The concept of the bystander effect refers to a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. This can be attributed to a diffusion of responsibility; as the number of bystanders increases, individuals feel less personal responsibility to act. Consequently, the presence of others can lead to a reduced likelihood of intervention in emergencies, since people often assume someone else will step in or that the situation may not require their involvement.

Recognizing this effect helps in understanding why, in critical situations, individuals might hesitate to assist when surrounded by others, which can have significant implications for emergency response and social behavior.