What is the diffusion of responsibility?

The diffusion of responsibility refers to a social phenomenon where individuals feel less compelled to take action in an emergency situation because they believe that others will take responsibility for intervening. This concept is particularly evident in situations where a group of people is present; each person may assume that someone else will take charge, leading to inaction by everyone involved.

This effect can be observed in various situations, such as during a public emergency, when numerous bystanders might witness an event like an accident, yet nobody steps forward to help because they think someone else will do so. This diffusion of responsibility can often result in tragic outcomes due to a lack of immediate response.

The other options describe ideas related to responsibility and assistance but do not accurately represent the phenomenon of diffusion of responsibility. The belief that individuals must act alone (the first option) conflicts directly with the core concept, while the drive to seek help from authorities (the third option) suggests a proactive behavior rather than the passive expectation embedded in the diffusion of responsibility. Lastly, the reluctance to share responsibility in team settings (the fourth option) is a different aspect of group dynamics and does not encompass the emergency context where diffusion of responsibility is primarily seen.