The Power To Help: Understanding Why We Act (or Don't) in Tough Situations

~ Rama Bharti(2020MT10834)

Ever wondered why some people help and others don't?

We've all seen it happen - a person in need, surrounded by a crowd, yet nobody steps up to help. It's like there's this invisible force preventing us from doing what we know is right. In this mini-blog, I will discuss the "why" behind this phenomenon and explore how we can break through it.

The "Bystander Effect": Why do we hesitate?

Imagine being in a busy place, and someone falls or needs help. In this situation, mostly, everyone freezes, looking at each other, waiting for someone else to do something. This is the Bystander effect. It's when we hesitate to help because we think someone else will step in. But why does this happen?
  • The number of people around can affect whether we decide to help. It's like we assume someone else will take charge, leaving us to think someone else will take care of the situation, so we don't feel the need to do anything ourselves.
  • Also, many times, if a situation is confusing or unclear, we are more likely to hold back. We need a clear sign that our help is needed.
  • We often worry about what others will think if we step up. This fear of being judged can keep us from doing what we know is right.
Who helps and when?
  • Feeling someone else's pain - People who are good at understanding how others feel (empathy) are more likely to jump in and help. It's like we can't stand to see someone in trouble.
  • Our past shapes us - Our experiences play a big role. If we've been helped before or faced tough situations ourselves, we are more likely to lend a hand when needed.
  • We're more likely to help friends or people we know. It's just easier to connect and care about someone when you're familiar with them.

Why do we help?

  • Sometimes, we help just because we care about others. This selfless act is called altruism, where we're genuinely concerned about someone else's well-being.
  • Other times, helping comes with a bonus - it makes us look good, or we get something out of it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's just human nature.

In a nutshell, understanding why we help or hesitate isn't just about psychology; it's about knowing how we tick as humans. We should always remember that we have the power to break through the hesitation and step forward to make the world a little better.

Resources :
  • https://managermojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Use-Your-Power.png
  • https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/help-puppets-draw-600w-1053025478.jpg
  • https://moodle.iitd.ac.in/pluginfile.php/389384/mod_resource/content/1/Helping%20and%20Prosocial%20Behavior-2022.pdf


Comments

  1. Arpit10 November 2023 at 05:41

    Help, a key element of society, is quite Beautifully explained in this blog!!
    Why we help, when should we help or not is explained nicely!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sania10 November 2023 at 07:44

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sania10 November 2023 at 08:43

    This blog astutely identifies empathy as a key motivator for helping, along with the influence of personal experiences and connections. The mention of altruism and the dual nature of helping, driven by genuine concern or personal gain, adds depth to the exploration of human behaviour. It encourages us to understand these dynamics and recognise our own power to break through hesitation, fostering a collective effort to make the world a better place.

    ~ Sania Goyal (2020MT10842)

    ReplyDelete

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