Joe joins in an angry mob that begins looting local stores. When he is caught and arrested, he claims that he thought it was okay since everyone else was doing it. His excuse sounds most like ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Joe's excuse of thinking that it was okay because others were doing it is an example of diffusion of responsibility. This is the tendency for individuals to feel less responsible for their own actions when surrounded by others who are acting similarly. In this case, Joe may have felt less personally accountable for his actions because he was part of a larger group that was engaged in similar behavior.

Joe Joins in an Angry Mob That Begins Looting Local