(Video Link)
Because you're freaking out over ordinary things. TV pranksters had a little girl in a nightgown stand in the middle of a hotel hallway. They placed hidden cameras nearby to test people's reactions. When guests step off the elevator, they're shocked at what they see. The best reaction is at 2:00.
via Super Punch
They probably collected a couple dozens reactions, and only showed the freak outs. I would like to think that in some of the cut reactions, there were some concerned individuals. Of all of the scared reactions, the demographic seemed to be roughly those who would watch horror all the time.
The exception being the maid who gave a reaction that seemed more 'what trouble is that child getting into?"
People under 30 grow old to become people over 30.
More to the point probably: I counted 9 scared women and only 1 guy.
And also,
Why, if something scares you that bad, do you run TOWARD IT?
Interesting experiment though.
Of course, there are reasons for this in psychology, most of which can be linked to how the individual perceives their own involvement and the embarrassment or ridicule they may garner by helping. Fear seems to be the primary deterrant for helping others. Fear of earning a negative social/self-image.