Episode 5 – Diffusion of Responsibility
In this instalment of Leviathan & Behemoth, hosts Dr. Joey “Leviathan” and Bobby “Behemoth” pull another random topic and tackle the psychology of diffusion of responsibility—the idea that the more onlookers there are, the less any one person feels obliged to act. What starts as an exploration of the classic bystander effect quickly branches into personal stories, theology, vigilante movies, and the everyday struggle to do something when someone needs help.
What’s inside
- Psych‑101 refresher – Kitty Genovese, Darley & Latané’s seizure experiment, and why “someone else will do it” feels so natural.
- Movie & pop‑culture detours – The Boondock Saints, vigilante justice, Will Ferrell vs. Danny McBride, and an imagined Matt Berry buddy‑cop film.
- Biblical parallels – Jesus flipping tables, the Good Samaritan, and how faith reframes the moral mandate to step in.
- Real‑life anecdotes –
- Bobby’s ER‑nurse hero at a jazz concert.
- A father‑and‑son moment confronting a possible apartment‑window fight.
- Group‑project “social loafing” and workplace slackers.
- Slacktivism vs. action – Posting, praying, and the lure of the quick dopamine hit versus actually helping.
- Take‑away toolkit – “Always be useful,” train your reflexes, ask follow‑up questions, and remember there are always helpers.
Why listen
Part psychology lesson, part sermon, part late‑night comedy riff, this episode mixes data, scripture, and everyday experience to challenge you to move from watching to doing. If you’ve ever walked past a stalled car, skipped group‑project duties, or hit “share” instead of pitching in, pour a coffee and press play.
