Bystander Communication

Abstract

In this entry, bystander theories and applications are overviewed with a particular focus on bullying and aggressive behavior. Bystanders' goals during situations are examined, which directly influence behavioral responses. Likewise, the technological affordances for online compared with face‐to‐face (FTF) bystander interventions are discussed, in addition to how mass communication can inform media campaigns promoting prosocial bystanders. The bystander intervention model (BIM) has been widely applied to explicate the role of bystanders during emergency situations requiring aid. The BIM identifies five steps bystanders must undergo for intervention: (i) notice the situation; (ii) interpret the situation as requiring help; (iii) accept responsibility to help; (iv) know how to help; and (v) implement behavioral interventions. Factors influencing each step of the model are highlighted to demonstrate the opportunities and challenges bystanders experience when making intervention decisions. The entry concludes by identifying the roles bystanders adopt that associate with resulting communicative behavior during harmful situations, in the hope of cultivating prosocial bystander responses that reduce the negative health effects associated with victimization.