Der Batman-Effekt: Eine Experimentatorin, die schwanger zu sein schien, bestieg den Zug. Im Versuchszustand trat ein weiterer als Batman verkleideter Experimentator durch eine andere Tür ein. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass Passagiere ihren Sitzplatz anboten, war deutlich höher, wenn Batman anwesend war (67,21 % gegenüber 37,66 %).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-025-00171-5
15 Kommentare
I’ve linked to the primary source, the journal article, in the post above.
Unexpected events and prosocial behavior: **the Batman effect**
Abstract
Prosocial behavior, the act of helping others, is essential to social life, yet spontaneous environmental triggers for such behavior remain underexplored. This study tested whether an unexpected event, such as the presence of a person dressed as Batman, could increase prosocial behavior by disrupting routine and enhancing attention to the present moment. We conducted a quasi-experimental field study on the Milan metro, observing 138 rides. **In the control condition, a female experimenter, appearing pregnant, boarded the train with an observer. In the experimental condition, an additional experimenter dressed as Batman entered from another door. Passengers were significantly more likely to offer their seat when Batman was present (67.21% vs. 37.66%**, OR = 3.393, p < 0.001). Notably, 44% of those who offered their seat in the experimental condition reported not seeing Batman. These findings suggest that unexpected events can promote prosociality, even without conscious awareness, with implications for encouraging kindness in public settings.
I have read that any depiction of eyes reduces crime in an area. I wonder if this is a similar concept. People behave better if they think they’re being watched.
I guess people will more likely look up from their phones and notice a pregnant lady if someone in costume is causing commotion
From personal experience prosocial behaviour also inscreases after someone gives an example – offers his seat to elderly or a child. Other people notice it and usually some of observers repeat it, by offering their seats to others boarding the train.
I see why sociologists have trouble finding work after academia.
I guess these jokers on the train don’t want to be confused with The Joker.
This is silly, i am certain that if used any other authority figure the results would be the same.
Of course it must be the unexpectedness of the event, and not the fact that
a) the unexpexted behavior is reknown to be associated with prosocial and antisocial themes (it’s a vigilante character) and
b) the unexoected event is of the type where it is suddenly more likely that the situation is being filmed and in general increases likelihood of being perceived and judged by third parties
so luckily they didn’t need to test against these…
Correlation ≠ causation
Interesting study to find out about
I wonder if its age related, with Adam West era people being more civic minded under the eye than Christian Bale.
Should we give up our seats to women? Equality, right?
Bet a dog would work better. There always seems to be an orderly line on a busy sidewalk where a dog is chilling and smiling at people.
This is the kind of science I come to Reddit for.
unless there are multiple open seats, i’m standing anyway on mass transit. it doesn’t matter what funny book character someone is dressing up as.