What phenomenon describes individuals being less likely to help a victim when others are present?

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to assist a victim when there are other people present is known as the bystander effect. This social psychological principle suggests that the presence of multiple witnesses to an emergency situation often leads to a diffusion of responsibility among the onlookers. Each person may feel less compelled to act, mistakenly assuming that someone else will intervene or that their own actions are less critical when so many others are available.

In essence, the bystander effect emphasizes how social dynamics influence behavior. Rather than feeling a personal obligation to help, individuals in a group may wait for others to take action, leading to a situation where no one intervenes. This is particularly prominent in larger groups where people can become more anonymous and feel less accountable for their actions.