New York Today: The City’s Bystander Effect

Good morning on this clear Monday.

The first time I dialed 911 in New York was on a subway platform at 42nd Street — last week.

A woman was bleeding on her head and neck; she had fallen on the stairs between the platform and turnstiles.

Some passengers hurried past her. Others stopped to look and moved on. Several took out their phones — not to call for help, but instead to record the scene.

Maybe you’ve witnessed a similar episode in the city: curious onlookers who hesitate to act or opt not to do anything at all.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com

 


Is there such thing as a digital bystander effect?
CreditJohn Taggart for The New York Times