Throughout history, responses to disasters have followed remarkably similar patterns. When extreme events occur, two distinct roles tend to emerge: those who step in to help and those who remain passive observers. The first group reacts quickly, focusing on how to save others, often placing their own lives at risk to protect those in danger. The second group, however, not only fails to contribute to solving the problem but can sometimes make the situation worse or interfere with those who are trying to help.
Recent events clearly illustrate this contrast. During the attack on a beach in Sydney, one man acted decisively to disarm the attacker, embodying the role of an upstander. In contrast, the recent fire at a resort in Switzerland revealed a different reaction: images circulated of people recording the scene on their mobile phones while young people were trapped inside the building. From an external perspective, judging these behaviours may seem easy. Yet the uncomfortable question remains: where would each of us stand in such a moment? Would we run to help, try to escape, or start a live stream on our phone?
In today’s world, social media increasingly shapes these responses. The urge to share images instantly, gain followers, views, or likes, or simply prove that “you were there,” often outweighs considerations of safety or responsibility. This pattern is also evident in extreme weather events, where repeated warnings to avoid dangerous conditions are ignored by a small group determined to capture the most dramatic image or video.
Numerous studies show that social coercion can promote attraction to risk while discouraging cautious or protective behaviour, with serious negative consequences. Research also highlights the psychological and social impact of remaining a bystander rather than becoming an upstander. In moments of catastrophe – and in everyday life- the choice between acting or watching makes a profound difference, both for those around us and for who we become as individuals. And you, what would you choose?
Serra Húnter Fellow of Sociology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Former DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg