The Bystander Effect occurs when individuals in a group are less likely to help someone in need, assuming others will act instead. In online communities, this can lead to situations where users fail to intervene in conflicts, provide assistance, or address issues because they believe someone else will step in.
Recognizing this phenomenon is essential for community managers, who can counteract it by fostering a culture of responsibility and encouraging proactive participation. For example, assigning moderators or encouraging designated roles can reduce the diffusion of responsibility and promote active engagement.
On a tech support forum, a user posts a question about troubleshooting software. Despite many users viewing the post, no one responds due to the Bystander Effect. Proactive community guidelines, like urging users to contribute if they have relevant knowledge, can mitigate this inaction and create a more supportive environment.