"Act Fast: A Story of Getting Help in a Crowd"
Imagine you're at a park concert, feeling excited. But suddenly, something's wrong. Your arm feels weird, then your face. It's scary - you think it might be a stroke. You try to stand up, but you can't. The people around you are leaving, oblivious. Why won't they help? It's because of something called "social proof" - we look at others to decide what to do. But in emergencies, this can be dangerous. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" taught me something crucial: be clear and specific when asking for help. Don't assume others will understand. Say exactly what you need, like "Call an ambulance!" This blog is about the importance of speaking up clearly in emergencies. It's a reminder that getting help fast can save lives, even in a busy crowd.
5/14/20242 min read
GOD, I AM HAVING A STROKE |SOCIAL PROOF CAN MAKE OR TAKE YOUR LIFE|
Imagine you are in a park with many people at a concert.
The concert has ended, and everyone is leaving the park.
You are walking too, but you find numbness in your arm.
You ignore it and keep walking with the crowd.
Again, you find numbness, but this time it is spreading down your hand and also up on one side of your face.
You feel disoriented and sit against a tree.
The crowd keeps moving. You try to get up, but you can’t.
A terrified thought crosses your mind, “God, I am having a stroke.” A stroke!!
How would people notice me?
Why are they keep passing by?
Oh, finally, some of these people noticed.
Why isn't anyone coming to my aid?
They noticed the odd way you leaned against the tree but still did not come to aid.
Because of SOCIAL PROOF. What we think, we seek approval from society to confirm our feelings. They noticed, the majority is not responding to your situation, so they considered your behavior as non-emergency.
Now there is PLURALISTIC IGNORANCE, which is the phenomenon driven by the tendency to be looking to see what everyone else is doing, and this is our natural response for any situation. How would you stop being victim of this pluralistic ignorance?
Your physical abilities will start deteriorating, so time is crucial.
Ask for help before you could lose your speech, mobility, or consciousness.
If that happens, your chances of recovery from a stroke will be minimized.
You will be ignored by the crowd unless you tell them clearly that it’s an emergency situation.
Clearly say HELP.
But help for what?
Don’t let the crowd second-guess.
HELP. CALL AN AMBULANCE.
But don’t address the crowd; otherwise, everyone will depend on others to call.
Be precise.
‘’YOU, SIR, IN THE BLUE JACKET, I NEED HELP. CALL AN AMBULANCE.’’
Having that said, you eliminated all the uncertainties and validated the social proof.
The blue jacket will call an ambulance. A couple of others will stand with you for support.
Takeaway: ‘’ Be as precise as possible about your need for aid before it is too late.’’
(Inspired by ‘’Influence -The Psychology of Persuasion’’ by Robert B. Cialdini)