The idea that people in crisis situations only watch and do not help is wrong, according to modern scientific knowledge. Psychologists warn that the so-called the apathy of passers-by is a myth and that the public in need most often acts quickly, coordinated and with the altruistic intention to help. Man is a social creature, and helping members of his own species is an innate quality due to evolution. Apathy in some people is an acquired trait.
According to crowd behavior experts, the idea of panic and chaos is distorted. “The idea that people panic and run for the exits is Hollywood fiction. Typically, people stay and help themselves,” says Professor Stephen Reicher from the University of St Andrews.
He recalled the examples of the attacks on the London Underground on July 7, 2005 and the bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub in 1999. “People looked out for each other, even as they feared more bombs. There was an amazing level of spontaneous coordination. Some led others away from danger. Some distracted the attacker. Some faced him. Everyone could act thanks to others. Heroism was a quality of the group, not just of the individual.” explains Reicher.
Professor Clifford Stott of Keele University agrees. “Modern research shows that the public is very good at self-preservation, and that the heroic acts we hear about are actually basic, natural tendencies in all of us.” he emphasized.
