In light of recent cases, the bystander effect has once again captured public attention.

A child wanders alone through a busy MRT station. A man collapses on the street. At Singapore Management University, a video went viral showing a woman kicking another woman on the ground, and bystanders watching, hesitating to intervene.

Dozens of people see, yet no one moves.

And even if the cameras are raised, eyes dart away, and the crowd waits for someone else to act.

Psychologists call this the bystander effect, the phenomenon where the more people present, the less likely anyone is to help.

But does the bystander effect reveal a lack of empathy? Or is it simply a human instinct to freeze in uncertainty, even when we care?

On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Annabelle Chow, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Annabelle Psychology and Dr Razwana Begum, Head of Public Safety and Security Programme, Singapore University of Social Sciences, to find out.

In light of recent cases, the bystander effect has once again captured public attention.
A child wanders alone through a busy MRT station. A man collapses on the street. At Singapore Management University, a video went viral showing a woman kicking another woman on the ground, and bystanders watching, hesitating to intervene.
Dozens of people see, yet no one moves.
And even if the cameras are raised, eyes dart away, and the crowd waits for someone else to act.
Psychologists call this the bystander effect, the phenomenon where the more people present, the less likely anyone is to help.
But does the bystander effect reveal a lack of empathy? Or is it simply a human instinct to freeze in uncertainty, even when we care?
On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to&nbsp;Dr Annabelle Chow, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Annabelle Psychology and Dr Razwana Begum, Head of Public Safety and Security Programme, Singapore University of Social Sciences, to find out.

Your evening guide to the day's most important topics — navigate the key events in politics, business, markets, wealth management, and top investment opportunities. Keeps you informed and ahead of the curve, daily.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.

Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.