“The Bystander Effect” & Modern Idioms Explained - SYSK Choice
Jul 20, 2024
Learn about the bystander effect and why people hesitate to intervene in bullying situations. Find out how idioms convey meaning and their origins. Discover how drinking coffee can protect against skin cancer and the power of confidently intervening in problematic behavior.
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The Bystander Effect
The bystander effect describes the phenomenon where people are less likely to help in emergencies when in groups.
This occurs due to ambiguity, diffused responsibility, and fear of consequences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Claire on the Bus
After the pandemic, an Asian woman named Claire was verbally attacked on a bus in Boston.
Despite a crowded bus, no one intervened due to fear and the bystander effect.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Safe Intervention
When intervening in a possibly dangerous situation, prioritize personal safety.
Consider indirect help, like sitting next to the victim, instead of direct confrontation.
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You have most likely seen a bully in action and were maybe reluctant to intervene. After all, it’s not your problem. There is actually a name for this – it’s “The Bystander Effect.” It is when people don’t step in and call out a bully. Why does that happen? Why do we sometimes leave it to someone else or no one at all when clearly someone has stepped over the line? Have you ever thought what would happen if you did step in? And if you do decide to intervene, what’s the best way to do it so you don’t escalate the situation? Here with some answers and insight is psychologist Catherine Sanderson, a professor in Life Sciences at Amherst College and the author of Why We Act: Turning Bystanders into Moral Rebels (https://amzn.to/3vfUgrs)
You know what an idiom is – right? Idioms are little phrases that work their way into our conversations that help us make a point. For example, play with fire, move the goal posts or drink the Kool-Aid. Ever wonder where these phrases come from and why they take on this new meaning? Do other languages have idioms? Joining me to explore this fascinating quirk in our language is Gareth Carrol a senior lecturer and researcher in linguistics at the University of Birmingham and author of the book, Jumping Sharks and Dropping Mics: Modern Idioms and Where They Come From (https://amzn.to/3J5XnaX).
Summer is the favorite time of year for many people. Still, too much of a good thing can be a problem. Listen as I explore how summer weather can impact your mood and mental state. https://www.livescience.com/21431-hot-temperatures-mood.html
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