The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon in which people do not offer any means of help during a crisis. It’s much like the diffusion of responsibility phenomenon. People assume that others will take care of the problem at hand, and this is why this seagull thinks it’s above the law.
A café was robbed of a full, unopen bag of potato chips by the best thief since Robert DeNiro and Val Kilmer ran the streets of LA in Heat. You can see the confidence in the seagull as he strolls into the café. No one will get in his way. He’s probably thinking, “we want to hurt no one. we’re here for the café’s chips, not your chips. Your chips are insured by the federal government, you’re not gonna lose a chip. Think of your families, don’t risk your life. Don’t try and be a hero.”
And no one was a hero. We’re seeing this happen more and more often these days, with cowards hiding behind cameras as crimes are committed. This time is no different. Look at the bemusement on the face of the other café-goer. Do they not care about societal constructs? Are they willing to let these thieving seagulls get away with everything?
(Via Mashable)