The bystander effect – a way of relieving trauma
Would you rather take a picture or a video of an incident before you assist or call for help? Then you have the symptoms of the bystander effect.
Modern technology has improved the way of doing things, from the way we communicate to how our work features on a digital platform. However, taking pictures and videos has turned many people into bystanders.
The videos that have gone viral on YouTube attest to this. There are numerous disturbing videos that have captured moments in life-threatening events when people could have reacted and made a difference, but they choose to first upload their videos online instead of lending a helping hand, and seek help later. Occurrences like the one that happened at a Spur restaurant several months ago triggered racial tension which could have been avoided if no one had recorded it.
People have expressed concern over this infamous video via social media, noting that what was captured on video was only part of what had happened, and thousands of people have watched what is only part of the incident.
A local educational psychologist, Gcina Sithole, said that if something shocking and sudden happens, people tend to record the incident prior to making an effort to assist the victims. He recalled an incident where an informal settlement burned in Roodepoort and all bystanders did was take pictures.
“Those people were shocked and traumatised and recorded the shack on fire before they called the Fire Department. These videos and pictures then become part of the trauma debriefing process,” said Sithole.
He said further that watching the video time and time again while going for trauma counselling helps people to deal with the traumatic experience.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
