Just finished listening to a chapter of a book called "influence" by Robert Cialdini that covers this specific effect. It is not apathy, it is an effect called social proof. When an emergency like this happens in front of many witnesses, it is because there are many witnesses that nothing happens. There is confusion that there is an actual emergency, everyone looks around for social cues of what to do, so when they see no one else responding they do not respond themselves. It has been documented in many, many cases. This is a human condition and had nothing to do with Montrealers.
For the record, if you ever find yourself in a crowd suffering from a stroke or something similar, your chances of getting help improve massively if you can single put ONE individual and ask them to call an ambulance.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Biff
If the NHL ever needs an enema, Edmonton is where they'll insert it.
|
|