Bystander Apathy: Situations Contributing to Action or Inaction Bystander apathy (a person's reluctance to assist in a situation) has been found as a general rule that there is a degree higher reluctance to assist during emergency situations compared to non-emergency situations. However, recent studies have shown that if an emergency is considered highly dangerous, the degree of participation is also high, so this paper will explore that factor as well as three factors that determine action or inaction. To explore these factors, four points will be addressed. The conclusion summarizes the most significant points. Independent vs. Group Intervention A study that takes a good look at viewer apathy was conducted in 2011 and compiles research on viewer apathy from the 1970s to the present day. “Early research has consistently shown that the presence of passive bystanders reduces the likelihood that individuals will intervene and help a victim in a critical situation” (Fischer et al., 2011, p. 518). Carried over to the present day this rule is a good one, but there are specific factors that can influence a person's decision to intervene. Ironically, one of those factors is the addition of more viewers. “Participants…were more likely to help (65%) than participants in the alone condition (55%)” (idem, p. 521). However, this is usually only the case when other bystanders in the group are believed to be competent towards the original bystander who is considering intervening in a dangerous situation. In summary, “…a bystander's decision to help depends on the perceived cost of helping, the benefit of helping the victim, and the perceived likelihood that other bystanders will help” (idem, p. 521). Furthermore, the analysis of emergencies and their gradation with respect to the person's choice of intervention is also explored in depth. Dangerous Emergencies Dangerous emergencies are