What behavioral phenomenon suggests that the presence of other bystanders reduces the likelihood of someone helping?

The phenomenon that indicates the presence of other bystanders diminishes the likelihood that an individual will help someone in need is known as the Bystander Effect. This effect is rooted in social psychological research which shows that as the number of onlookers in an emergency situation increases, the likelihood that any one individual will offer assistance decreases. This can be attributed to several factors, including diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel less compelled to act when others are present, believing that someone else will take responsibility. Additionally, social comparison may occur, where individuals look to the reactions of others for cues on how to behave; if no one else is responding, they may interpret the situation as not being an emergency.

Understanding the Bystander Effect is crucial for recognizing how group dynamics influence individual behavior in crises.