THE BYSTANDER EFFECT
In the context of correcting strangers’ inconsiderate behaviour on public transport, direct and interpersonal intervention is not normalised in Singapore, said IPS’ Dr Xing.
“Most commuters find it difficult to tell off those engaging in inconsiderate behaviour on public transport primarily due to conflict avoidance and the fear of negative repercussions,” he added.
This is magnified in the confined environment of public transport, said the anthropologist, adding that like Ms Aisyah, commuters might be scared that saying something could escalate the situation, especially when they cannot predict how the offender will react.
“Also, some commuters feel that even if they speak up, it will not lead to a change in behaviour, and the offending commuter may just ignore them or refuse to cooperate,” said Dr Xing.
All the experts and commuters CNA spoke to pointed to the bystander effect.
“This occurs when many people are present, each assumes someone else will intervene, so no one does,” said the IPS anthropologist.
Others not taking action also reinforces the individual’s decision not to act, he added.
In Singapore, many people typically believe that these social norms are supposed to be enforced by bus drivers, the police and so on, said Assistant Professor George Wong, a sociologist with the Singapore Management University (SMU).
The public may hesitate to step up because of the social cost of confronting someone – they could be afraid that they have misjudged the situation and are jumping to conclusions, or that the confrontation may be filmed by someone else, he added.
“It is easier to let somebody else do it, hoping that somebody else may actually step in.”
If no one tells them to stop, the offending commuter may think their behaviour is tolerable, and continue to do so if they think they can get away with it, said Asst Prof Wong.
Singapore does not have a culture of calling people out, and children are often taught to mind their own business and avoid unnecessary confrontation, said Ms Ong.
“As a result, many people would rather tolerate inconsiderate behaviour than risk creating an awkward scene in public,” she added.
When any small incident can easily be recorded and shared online, people are more hesitant to speak up for fear of being judged or misunderstood, said Ms Ong.
When other passengers talk loudly on their phones or take calls on speaker mode, Ms Ong will make eye contact or “give them a good stare” – most of the time, they get the hint and lower the volume.
“I’ve noticed this happening more often among the older generation, while the younger tend to alight and take their calls if needed,” she added.
She has also come across older Singaporeans who stand in front of an occupied reserved seat, assuming that anyone who looks younger should give up their seat because it is “reserved for them”, she shared.
“They may not stop to think that the seated person could have an invisible condition.”
The 31-year-old has also noticed more middle-aged commuters telling people off when someone else requests the reserved seat they are sitting on.
“In such cases, I would usually help the person in need look for another seat nearby, or ask others if they are willing to give up their seat.”
