Theories and phenomenons

Audience inhibition

A phenomenon where individuals in a group may refrain from expressing their thoughts or behaviors due to the presence of others, fearing judgment or evaluation.

Bystander intervention

The process by which individuals seek to help a victim in an emergency situation, particularly when others are present.

Social identity theory

A psychological perspective that explores how individuals derive their sense of self and identity from their group memberships, influencing their behavior and attitudes.

Diffusion of responsibility

A social phenomenon where individuals in a group are less likely to take action or feel a personal responsibility to help a victim, believing that others will intervene.

Pluralistic ignorance

A social psychological phenomenon where individuals in a group mistakenly believe that their own thoughts or feelings are different from those of others, leading to inaction.

If someone is in trouble and no one is doing anything it must be fine.

Social imagination

A concept in sociology that refers to the ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and the larger social forces that shape them. It encourages understanding how personal circumstances are influenced by societal structures.

C. Wright Mills