then I thought, is that how group conversations on Whatsapp work?
Although the bystander effect applies to emergencies and responding on Whatsapp is certainly not like some, really pressing situation that requires our prompt response but... somehow, it still seems applicable.
So I read that there are two explanations to the bystander effect : one being diffusion of responsibility and the other being pluralistic ignorance.
The bystander effect refers to a phenomenon where people are more likely to just be bystanders and not do anything when there are many others who can possibly offer their assistance. And these people remain bystanders because the responsibility is now diffused to more people. They believe other people will intervene and so its not their responsibility. Or they're just waiting to see what other people will do so that they'll know how to act - which means the inaction of the other bystanders will lead to the individuals assuming that the apparent problem isn't really a problem.
Back to Whatsapp, not sure if its just my group conversations or just group conversations in general~
There are times when you don't know if you're supposed to reply to a group member's message. Definitely not because of personal grudges but because you assume that there will be other people replying to it and so you're not obliged to reply. Or sometimes you're just waiting for other people to reply - and if they don't, then you just feel like "oh so it's not really something to reply to lol"
(but that doesn't explain why I'm sometimes not very active in the group convo k. I seldom turn on my 3G/wifi. Must clarify!)
On the other hand, if its a one-to-one Whatsapp convo, it's a little hard to not reply right? Because both parties know that there are just two of you in the convo and so if one receives the message, there is this responsibility to reply to it (the two ticks at the side of your message on the other party's screen makes it like a need to reply sometimes. There's certainly pressure to do so lol, not to the extent of stress but still pressure).
So is it just a group thing in general? that when there are more people involved then you just don't assume too much of responsibility and take on the wait and see approach?? Do all the members think that way?
Lazy Saturday afternoon. Shall sit by the window and watch my dramas until it's time to go over to my grandparents' place for dinner.
Lazy Saturday afternoon. Shall sit by the window and watch my dramas until it's time to go over to my grandparents' place for dinner.
