When the officers drove closer, it turned out that a woman was lying in the middle of the traffic lane. Together with two witnesses, the police immediately provided her with first aid.

Fortunately, the 82-year-old woman regained consciousness and, suffering head injuries, was handed over to paramedics. Unfortunately, instead of helping, many drivers simply drove around the entire incident.

This raises the question: why does this happen? Why do we encounter a lack of response in situations like these?

The police appeal:

❗️Do not remain indifferent! You can save someone’s life!

❗️Let us remember that any of us may find ourselves in a similar situation, and then another person’s help may save a life.

Where does so-called social apathy come from? Why do people not react?

It is most often explained by the effect of diffusion of responsibility and the influence of living in an urban environment.

Key causes of social apathy:

Diffusion of responsibility (the bystander effect)

In a crowd, people assume that someone else has already called for help or will take care of it. The more witnesses there are, the lower each individual’s sense of responsibility.

Ambiguity of the situation

People often do not know whether a person lying on the ground is ill, unconscious or simply drunk. Fear of making a mistake or interfering in someone else’s problems (e.g. family matters) leads people to avoid taking action.

Fear and personal safety

Fear of aggression (if the person is under the influence of substances), danger or being drawn into long-term consequences (e.g. appearing as a witness in court) discourages people from getting involved.

Overstimulation in an urban environment

City residents often encounter scenes of poverty, homelessness, road accidents and conflicts. This leads to psychological exhaustion and a need to cut oneself off emotionally in order to function.

A culture of haste and anonymity

Modern society is dominated by haste and a focus on personal goals. Anonymity in a crowd encourages indifference—we do not feel connected to or obligated toward strangers.