Final answer:
Individuals often try to protect others from difficult situations out of empathy and compassion, not for personal gain. The 'bystander effect' can influence whether someone helps, but being the only witness increases the likelihood of taking action. It's crucial to be proactive in helping others in need to foster a responsive society.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person tries to protect someone from falling into a difficult situation, it is typically because of an instinctive response of empathy and compassion. This reaction is often immediate and not driven by personal gain, such as seeking favor with others or wanting to avoid unpleasant scenes, as highlighted by the example of someone rescuing a child about to fall into a well. These intrinsic human responses are part of our moral and ethical makeup.
Helping behavior can be influenced by various factors, including whether an individual knows the victim or the number of bystanders present. This is demonstrated by the 'bystander effect,' which suggests people are less likely to assist if they believe someone else will intervene. Nevertheless, social psychologists indicate that if you are the only one around, you are more likely to take action to help.
It's important to counteract the bystander effect by being aware of the situation and taking action, even if it simply means alerting an authority who can provide assistance. The responsibility lies with each individual to observe their surroundings and ensure those needing help receive it to maintain a safer and more responsive society.