Bystander intervention in computer-mediated communication

'Chat groups were observed to demonstrate that the theoretical framework proposed in Latane and Darley's theory of bystander intervention (Latane & Darley, 1970; The unresponsive bystander: why doesn't he help? New York, NY: Appleton-Centruy Crofts) can also be utilized to explain and predict intervention in computer-mediated communication. Specific hypotheses focused on the relations between the amount of time it took a bystander to give assistance with the gender of the individual seeking help, the number of bystanders present, and whether help was asked for by specifying a bystander's name. Results showed that gender had no significant effect on response time. Additionally, as the number of people present in a computer-mediated chat group increased, it took longer for an individual to receive help. Finally, the bystander effect was virtually eliminated and help was received much more quickly when help was asked for by specifying a bystander's name. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.