Why are people like this these days

  • Thread starter ~christina~
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In summary: People are afraid of lawsuits. I would help anyone up, so long as they were not foaming from the mouth.
  • #1
~christina~
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hm:frown:

I hurt myself...I was walking a little fast trying to walk around this woman in front of me and I lost my balance and then I ended up landing on the sidewalk on my right side in the rain.. and then I stayed there on the ground for a few minutes since I wasn't sure how I got there (a little stunned but I thought I was alright) But in the end I found out why my knee hurt since my whole leg got all wet on one side and my jeans were sticking to my cut on my knee. (cut my jeans on the sidewalk as well)
and the point of this thread is that no one helped me up so.(I was there on the ground for a minute or two..Then I just picked myself up and and ran to catch a bus because that's what I was trying to do in the first place.

why are people like this these days?
 
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  • #2
Sorry to hear you were hurt, are you ok?

Hard to believe that no one made an effort to help you. I always stop and help people. Yesterday at the store a woman and her daughter were pushing an overloaded shoping cart (they had a huge storage box under the cart) and it fell out. I stopped and put it back and rearranged things to be more stable. They were very thankful but probably wondering "why is this crazy woman picking up our stuff and fixing our cart?"
 
  • #3
Wow, that is kind of surprising that nobody stopped to help. Maybe you got up quicker than you thought. I don't know if I'd have necessarily helped you up, but I certainly would have stopped to ask if you were okay after seeing a fall like that...your answer to my question would determine whether I'd help you up, let you get yourself up, or make you stay on the ground lying still while I got you further help.
 
  • #4
People are afraid of lawsuits.
 
  • #5
I would help anyone up, so long as they were not foaming from the mouth.
 
  • #6
wolram said:
I would help anyone up, so long as they were not foaming from the mouth.

lol no unless they have rabies.
 
  • #7
I don't know why. In societies with ever increasing numbers of people perhaps a lot of us have lost our empathy for one another. Especially due to the competitiveness commercialism instills.
 
  • #8
Evo said:
Sorry to hear you were hurt, are you ok?

Hard to believe that no one made an effort to help you. I always stop and help people. Yesterday at the store a woman and her daughter were pushing an overloaded shoping cart (they had a huge storage box under the cart) and it fell out. I stopped and put it back and rearranged things to be more stable. They were very thankful but probably wondering "why is this crazy woman picking up our stuff and fixing our cart?"

Thanks Evo your very nice
I think I'm fine but my knee sort of has a pain when I prop it up on something. I thought I only had a cut..
well it's true that people are like that sometimes (someone walked right past me)
Of course I would help someone but people here are strange to say the least.

Moonbear said:
Wow, that is kind of surprising that nobody stopped to help. Maybe you got up quicker than you thought. I don't know if I'd have necessarily helped you up, but I certainly would have stopped to ask if you were okay after seeing a fall like that...your answer to my question would determine whether I'd help you up, let you get yourself up, or make you stay on the ground lying still while I got you further help.

maybe I did..I was in a hurry.:rolleyes:

Well it wasn't that serious that you'd need to call medical personal.

Kurdt said:
I don't know why. In societies with ever increasing numbers of people perhaps a lot of us have lost our empathy for one another. Especially due to the competitiveness commercialism instills.

yes, maybe so. People are always in a hurry and business comes first. (a person who walked past me was a man in a business suit and who was holding a briefcase)
 
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  • #9
I carried another student in her wheel chair up a snowwy/icy hill once when her chair slipped off the sidewalk and went wayyyy down a hill in a ditch, but I think that is the only time my conscience has ever kicked in. I remember chasing her down the hill while other people just walked by. Besides that one incident, I think I was born without a sympathy gene.
 
  • #10
~christina~ said:
maybe I did..I was in a hurry.:rolleyes:

I asked because it could be that people just didn't have a chance to really react or were instead trying to be polite by pretending not to notice your clumsiness.

A couple years ago when I visited SpaceTiger, a guy crashed his bike right just a few yards away from us. We were both a bit slow to react...there was sort of a momentary, OMG did that just happen, pause, and then a, OK, he's not getting right back up thought, then finally we regained our wits and walked over to see if he needed assistance...and by then, two of his buddies on bikes behind him arrived and he was sitting up on the curb taking stock of his injuries and decided he was okay to be assisted away by his buddies. So, while it sure would have looked like nobody noticed or cared, it was really just that we were darn slow to react to the realization that he might actually be injured and need help.
 
  • #11
~christina~ said:
hm:frown:

I hurt myself...I walking a little fast trying to walk around this woman in front of me and I lost my balance and then I ended up landing on the sidewalk on my right side in the rain.. and then I stayed there on the ground for a few minutes since I wasn't sure how I got there (a little stunned but I thought I was alright) But in the end I found out why my knee hurt since my whole leg got all wet on one side and my jeans were sticking to my cut on my knee. (cut my jeans on the sidewalk as well)
and the point of this thread is that no one helped me up so.(I was there on the ground for a minute or two..Then I just picked myself up and and ran to catch a bus because that's what I was trying to do in the first place.

why are people like this these days?
Sorry to hear about your accident, Christina. I would have stopped to help you up. I usually stop and offer assistance if someone's in trouble - especially if some is in danger.

I think many folks are afraid to get involved.
 
  • #12
Don't lose faith in humanity over this incident. Most people are eager to help. Once I tripped when I was climbing the steps to the Met in NYC and people came at me from every direction to help me up and ask if I was all right. I myself am so willing to help others in such situations that I trip them just for the chance to do so.
 
  • #13
Astronuc said:
Sorry to hear about your accident, Christina. I would have stopped to help you up. I usually stop and offer assistance if someone's in trouble - especially if some is in danger.

I think many folks are afraid to get involved.

Thanks Astronuc I know you would.

jimmysnyder said:
Don't lose faith in humanity over this incident.
I won't since I know that most people would help but I'm irritated that people where I live would do this since I've always seen people help others out everywhere else
Most people are eager to help. Once I tripped when I was climbing the steps to the Met in NYC and people came at me from every direction to help me up and ask if I was all right.
That's because you must have been in a tourist area:wink:
I myself am so willing to help others in such situations that I trip them just for the chance to do so.
:rofl:...I think I'd sue you if you did that
 
  • #14
jimmysnyder said:
Don't lose faith in humanity over this incident. Most people are eager to help. Once I tripped when I was climbing the steps to the Met in NYC and people came at me from every direction to help me up and ask if I was all right.

Well, I definitely don't doubt they came at you from every direction, but that will happen just sitting on the steps, especially if you're in the path between the doors and the hot dog cart. :biggrin:
 
  • #15
I'm surprised they didn't help you. What a bunch of self-absorbed butt heads! :frown:

Your incident reminded me of an experiment we did in a social psychology class where we had to "accidentally" drop a bunch of pencils in a crowded area and observe who helped. Pretty much everyone in our class noticed that females are more likely to both give help and receive help. (Myself, I actually had pretty good luck with the guys when I dropped the pencils - I think maybe because I am older and they thought they were helping a teacher.) The guys almost never got help from other guys. In one case, one of the male students from our class wasn't even planning a "drop" and a group of guys happened to bump into him and scatter his pencils. They saw the whole thing happen, and knew it was their fault. But they kept on walking!
 
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  • #16
Math Is Hard said:
(Myself, I actually had pretty good luck with the guys when I dropped the pencils - I think maybe because I am older and they thought they were helping a teacher.)
How low-cut or loose was your shirt when you were bent over picking up pencils? :biggrin:

I don't usually bother helping someone pick up stuff they dropped unless their arms are full or are trying to keep track of a bunch of kids at the same time...something that makes me think they can't easily do it themselves, or if I don't think they saw what they dropped. Otherwise, unless it's a really hot guy I want to meet, I figure people can handle something like that on their own.
 
  • #17
Moonbear said:
I asked because it could be that people just didn't have a chance to really react or were instead trying to be polite by pretending not to notice your clumsiness.

A couple years ago when I visited SpaceTiger, a guy crashed his bike right just a few yards away from us. We were both a bit slow to react...there was sort of a momentary, OMG did that just happen, pause, and then a, OK, he's not getting right back up thought, then finally we regained our wits and walked over to see if he needed assistance...and by then, two of his buddies on bikes behind him arrived and he was sitting up on the curb taking stock of his injuries and decided he was okay to be assisted away by his buddies. So, while it sure would have looked like nobody noticed or cared, it was really just that we were darn slow to react to the realization that he might actually be injured and need help.

I guess it's the same shock factor. I actually landed flat on the floor, but luckily I didn't land on my face but the side of my head was on the floor. The fact I also had my coat's hat (nice and thick) on, which protected my head from injury was also lucky or it could have been worse. :frown:

Math Is Hard said:
I'm surprised they didn't help you. What a bunch of self-absorbed butt heads! :frown:
the woman behind me and the guy in front who I saw just casually walking toward me while I was flat on the floor fit the description you gave.

Your incident reminded me of an experiment we did in a social psychology class where we had to "accidentally" drop a bunch of pencils in a crowded area and observe who helped. Pretty much everyone in our class noticed that females are more likely to both give help and receive help. (Myself, I actually had pretty good luck with the guys when I dropped the pencils - I think maybe because I am older and they thought they were helping a teacher.) The guys almost never got help from other guys. In one case, one of the male students from our class wasn't even planning a "drop" and a group of guys happened to bump into him and scatter his pencils. They saw the whole thing happen, and knew it was their fault. But they kept on walking!

I think it's easier to pick up something someone dropped like a pencil though. (I think I'm larger than a pencil :biggrin:
 
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  • #18
Personally, I wish I was the type of person you described. I've always shot myself in the foot by being overly selfless.
 
  • #19
Sorry to hear that, Christina, I hope that the bruises heal fast.

I think that whether or nor not bystanders help is well studied. It seems to be inversely proportional to the number of bystanders. If it's only one, he/she is very likely going to help, when there are dozens, they are more likely to think that some of the other will help; there must be somebody there with an first aid diploma, he'd better do it.

Our organization has a code of conduct, which obligates the members to assist in such a case. It seems to help, there are several *heroic* stories.
 
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  • #20
Moonbear said:
Well, I definitely don't doubt they came at you from every direction, but that will happen just sitting on the steps, especially if you're in the path between the doors and the hot dog cart. :biggrin:
I decided to put this hypothesis to the test. I went to the Met and randomly tripped people as they climbed the steps. Little old ladies with canes are the easiest targets, but there are so few of them willing to make the ascent. I found the joy of tripping was interfering with my objectivity, so I hired a couple of thugs to take care of this matter. Then I timed the people who were making for the hot dog carts. There are two of them now, one at either side of the stairs. This complicates the math and adds an element of the 'salesman' problem into the mix, but I was undaunted. It turns out that those who helped people up got their red hots a full .3 seconds sooner than those who stepped over them on average. I conclude that the proper way to induce human kindness is to make people realize that it is in their best interest to help their fellows.
 
  • #21
waht said:
People are afraid of lawsuits.

Roughly translated as: people are selfish idiots, only concerned about their own well being, isn't that?

That said it's also the big city effect, in London it's almost impossible to make eye contact with someone let alone make some sort of physical contact. Where I live, it's actually quite possible that as you walk down the road someone will say good morning to you. It seems to be that human interaction beyond those you know is inversely proportional to the population in an area. As ironic as that is, that seems to be the way it is.

In real life I've seen an old woman fall over, and an old man collapse dead from a heart attack, both of which I'm glad to say I helped well as much as I could, the old guy was dead before he hit the ground. If you don't then as far as I'm concerned you are an arsehole quite frankly, wherever you live.

I personally don't care how many people are about, if no one stops to help then there all guilty of one of the worst of crimes, being indifferent to peoples suffering/problems/situation. If one person stops to help and that is sufficient then fine, if two then fine, if you're first on the scene and it's you: even better.
 
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  • #22
jimmysnyder said:
Little old ladies with canes are the easiest targets,

I'm not so sure of that. Those canes can really hurt when they whack you with them.

Though, reminds me of an old cartoon of two boyscouts practically carrying a little old lady with a cane across the street (supposedly boyscouts are supposed to help little old ladies cross streets). They get to the other side, and she start whacking the both of them with the cane. Turned out, she was just standing at the corner waiting for someone and didn't actually want to cross the street.
 
  • #23
Andre said:
Sorry to hear that, Christina, I hope that the bruises heal fast.
Thanks Andre, I hope so too. :smile:
I think that whether or nor not bystanders help is well studied. It seems to be inversely proportional to the number of bystanders. If it's only one, he/she is very likely going to help, when there are dozens, they are more likely to think that some of the other will help; there must be somebody there with an first aid diploma, he'd better do it.

Our organization has a code of conduct, which obligates the members to assist in such a case. It seems to help, there are several *heroic* stories.

well maybe that's true but there were only 2 bystanders..and while my head was still touching the floor I was watching this man walk slowly towards me, no sense of an emergency:rolleyes:

That code of conduct should be madatory everywhere
 
  • #24
Schrodinger's Dog said:
That said it's also the big city effect, in London it's almost impossible to make eye contact with someone let alone make some sort of physical contact. Where I live, it's actually quite possible that as you walk down the road someone will say good morning to you. It seems to be that human interaction beyond those you know is inversely proportional to the population in an area. As ironic as that is, that seems to be the way it is.

I've noticed that when your in a smaller town and not a city people are willing to help you out much more than if you live in the latter.
 
  • #25
~christina~ said:
I've noticed that when your in a smaller town and not a city people are willing to help you out much more than if you live in the latter.

That's not my experience, but, meh.

Yeah they may at least notice you though, in my experience. :smile:
 
  • #26
I think a lot of it is sometimes how the person feels about themselves whether they are a 'helper'/nice or not---

---some people don't, or, are not, even cordial in emails --who knows, maybe it's just some people 'feel' overloaded and can't be a 'giving' person to be nice to others

----------------

I was just thinking--there's a woman that I talk to--she's very cordial and nice (on a social level), but she's not a very giving person. I guess in a way she's shallow--but, she would never hurt anyone, physically or verbally.
 
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  • #27
I was walking in a city park early one morning and saw a mugging taking place on a nearby street, must've been about a block from the CBD. Being a workday there were oddly enough people just walking around an elderly couple, being obviously held up for some money, just carrying briefcases and avoiding the whole thing like it was a busker you didn't want to chip a dollar in for.
I couldn't believe nobody was helping, but then again there was me and I certainly ran over, so I guess somebody did help in the end.

Genuine consideration doesn't seem the mainstream social philosophy however. It's never really gotten me anywhere but in trouble, I'd have much rather driven past my life in an air conditioned Mercedes any day of the week.
 
  • #28
I think a mugging is slightly different, as there's a serious risk to yourself. If someone falls over and is hurt or otherwise I fail to see the risk element, thus I fail to see the justification in pretending it didn't happen and just strolling on by, IMO and call me controversial, if you do that then you're a bit of a selfish individual.
 
  • #29
I wouldn't try to stop a mugging, I'd just be adding another victim to the crime. What I would do is if the mugger wasn't paying attention to me, I'd use my cell phone to make a video of it and give it to the police. It would be the least I could do.
 
  • #30
I think I would try, unless I saw a gun--

I guess my way of thinking is: if I was being mugged (no gun) , would I like whoever is there watching it unfold to do at least something/anything to prevent it, or something possibly worse than could also happen?
 
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  • #31
Evo said:
I wouldn't try to stop a mugging, I'd just be adding another victim to the crime.

I agree.

But I did see tv show where they say, "what would you do"? and they have various situations and one was where a person stole something. The result was that in every case they had to see someone mention that it was stolen for people to take action. One went so far as to punch the actor in the face..ouch.
 
  • #32
I never punched anyone in the face when I stepped in---but in the three times I remember stepping into a 'scenario' -- it was to break up a fight, not a mugging (I haven't been a onlooker to one yet)
 
  • #33
Also, although I say I would have the presence of mind to take a video of a mugging, I actually witnessed a murder and nothing clicked until I was standing over the body with a pool of blood forming around him, well that and the woman that started screaming when she and her boyfriend walked out of the bar and almost stepped on him. It's just something you aren't expecting so it takes a while to "click". I guess if you live around crime, then you might be quicker to recognize it.
 
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  • #34
was that the first murder you witnessed?
 
  • #35
rewebster said:
was that the first murder you witnessed?
The first and so far the only. Although I had two plain clothed detectives show up at an apartment I was living in when I was 18 because the girl that lived next to me had been murdered, but she wasn't murdered there. They wanted me to describe anyone I'd seen near her apartment. That's when I realized I really do not pay attention to what is going on around me and really suck at describing people. "Uhm, he was a guy, dark hair and a beard". They were so glad I could provide so much detail. :redface:

A friend of mine from work was also murdered. One of the Evo Child's best friends and a really sweet kid was killed (knife through the jugular) trying to break up a fight at an Indie music club. You don't want to get too close to me.
 
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<h2>1. Why do people seem more self-centered and entitled these days?</h2><p>There are several factors that can contribute to this perception. One possible explanation is the rise of social media and the constant need for attention and validation. Additionally, the pressure to succeed and stand out in a competitive society may also lead to a sense of entitlement. However, it's important to remember that not all people are like this and generalizations should be avoided.</p><h2>2. Why are people so addicted to technology and their phones?</h2><p>Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and it offers convenience and connectivity. However, excessive use of technology can also lead to addiction and dependency. The constant stimulation and instant gratification that technology provides can be difficult to resist, leading to a reliance on it for entertainment and social interaction.</p><h2>3. Why are people more anxious and stressed these days?</h2><p>The fast-paced and demanding nature of modern society can contribute to increased levels of anxiety and stress. The pressure to succeed, financial concerns, and constant exposure to news and information can also add to feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health has decreased, leading more people to seek help and report their struggles.</p><h2>4. Why do people seem to have shorter attention spans now?</h2><p>The rise of technology and social media has also contributed to a decrease in attention spans. With constant access to information and entertainment, people have become accustomed to quickly switching between tasks and stimuli. This can make it challenging to focus on one thing for an extended period of time.</p><h2>5. Why are people more divided and polarized in their beliefs these days?</h2><p>The internet and social media have made it easier for people to find and connect with others who share their beliefs and opinions. However, this can also create echo chambers where people are only exposed to one perspective and may become more extreme in their views. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and fake news can further contribute to the polarization of beliefs.</p>

1. Why do people seem more self-centered and entitled these days?

There are several factors that can contribute to this perception. One possible explanation is the rise of social media and the constant need for attention and validation. Additionally, the pressure to succeed and stand out in a competitive society may also lead to a sense of entitlement. However, it's important to remember that not all people are like this and generalizations should be avoided.

2. Why are people so addicted to technology and their phones?

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and it offers convenience and connectivity. However, excessive use of technology can also lead to addiction and dependency. The constant stimulation and instant gratification that technology provides can be difficult to resist, leading to a reliance on it for entertainment and social interaction.

3. Why are people more anxious and stressed these days?

The fast-paced and demanding nature of modern society can contribute to increased levels of anxiety and stress. The pressure to succeed, financial concerns, and constant exposure to news and information can also add to feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health has decreased, leading more people to seek help and report their struggles.

4. Why do people seem to have shorter attention spans now?

The rise of technology and social media has also contributed to a decrease in attention spans. With constant access to information and entertainment, people have become accustomed to quickly switching between tasks and stimuli. This can make it challenging to focus on one thing for an extended period of time.

5. Why are people more divided and polarized in their beliefs these days?

The internet and social media have made it easier for people to find and connect with others who share their beliefs and opinions. However, this can also create echo chambers where people are only exposed to one perspective and may become more extreme in their views. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and fake news can further contribute to the polarization of beliefs.

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