How does social pressure influence bystander behaviour?

Social pressure can significantly influence bystander behaviour, leading to the bystander effect.

The bystander effect is a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present. This is because individuals often look to others for cues on how to behave in a situation, and if others are not responding, they may assume that the situation is not an emergency or that someone else will take action.

Social pressure can also influence bystander behaviour through conformity. When individuals are in a group, they may feel pressure to conform to the group's behaviour, even if it goes against their own beliefs or values. This can lead to bystanders not intervening in a situation because they do not want to go against the group norms.

Additionally, social pressure can influence bystander behaviour through diffusion of responsibility. When there are multiple bystanders present, individuals may feel that the responsibility to act is shared among the group, leading to a decreased sense of personal responsibility to intervene.

Overall, social pressure can have a significant impact on bystander behaviour, leading to the bystander effect and a decreased likelihood of intervention in emergency situations. It is important to understand these factors in order to promote pro-social behaviour and increase the likelihood of bystander intervention.