News
December 06, 2025
Mark Andrews: Why my combi boiler was a mistake, and John Major only has himself to blame about Brexit
Research by a university in Milan found that putting a man in a Batman suit in a carriage on the city's underground had a positive effect on the behaviour of other passengers.
**Milan Commuters Behave Better Thanks to... Batman?**
Milan, Italy – Forget public service announcements and increased security. A recent study by a university in Milan suggests the key to better behavior on the city's bustling underground might just be a caped crusader. Researchers discovered that the presence of a man dressed as Batman in a subway carriage had a surprisingly positive influence on the conduct of fellow passengers.
The unusual experiment, conducted by a team of behavioral scientists, involved placing an individual in a meticulously crafted Batman costume on various underground lines throughout the city. Researchers then discreetly observed the behavior of other commuters, noting instances of crowding, loud conversations, littering, and general disregard for public etiquette.
The results were remarkable. In carriages with the Batman figure present, instances of negative behaviors significantly decreased. Passengers were observed to be more courteous, offering seats to those in need, maintaining a quieter atmosphere, and generally adhering to unspoken rules of subway decorum.
"We were quite astonished by the findings," explained Dr. Isabella Rossi, the lead researcher on the project. "We hypothesized that the presence of such a powerful, iconic figure, even in costume, might subtly influence people's subconscious. It appears the mere suggestion of justice and order, embodied by Batman, encouraged more considerate behavior."
While the exact mechanisms behind this "Batman effect" remain under investigation, researchers speculate that it could be linked to a number of factors. The costume's association with morality and upholding the law might trigger a sense of social responsibility in onlookers. Alternatively, the novelty of the situation might simply encourage people to be on their best behavior, aware that they are part of an unusual social experiment.
The study has sparked considerable debate in Milan, with some questioning the practicality of deploying costumed vigilantes on the city's transit system. However, the researchers emphasize that the study's primary goal was not to propose a literal solution, but rather to explore the psychological factors that influence public behavior.
"We're not suggesting that Milan needs to hire a team of Batmen," Dr. Rossi clarified. "Instead, our findings highlight the power of symbolism and the potential to leverage positive associations to promote a more civil and respectful public environment. Perhaps more subtle visual cues, drawing on similar themes of justice and order, could achieve similar results without resorting to theatrical interventions."
The study's findings have been published in the *Journal of Applied Behavioral Science*, and are already generating interest
Milan, Italy – Forget public service announcements and increased security. A recent study by a university in Milan suggests the key to better behavior on the city's bustling underground might just be a caped crusader. Researchers discovered that the presence of a man dressed as Batman in a subway carriage had a surprisingly positive influence on the conduct of fellow passengers.
The unusual experiment, conducted by a team of behavioral scientists, involved placing an individual in a meticulously crafted Batman costume on various underground lines throughout the city. Researchers then discreetly observed the behavior of other commuters, noting instances of crowding, loud conversations, littering, and general disregard for public etiquette.
The results were remarkable. In carriages with the Batman figure present, instances of negative behaviors significantly decreased. Passengers were observed to be more courteous, offering seats to those in need, maintaining a quieter atmosphere, and generally adhering to unspoken rules of subway decorum.
"We were quite astonished by the findings," explained Dr. Isabella Rossi, the lead researcher on the project. "We hypothesized that the presence of such a powerful, iconic figure, even in costume, might subtly influence people's subconscious. It appears the mere suggestion of justice and order, embodied by Batman, encouraged more considerate behavior."
While the exact mechanisms behind this "Batman effect" remain under investigation, researchers speculate that it could be linked to a number of factors. The costume's association with morality and upholding the law might trigger a sense of social responsibility in onlookers. Alternatively, the novelty of the situation might simply encourage people to be on their best behavior, aware that they are part of an unusual social experiment.
The study has sparked considerable debate in Milan, with some questioning the practicality of deploying costumed vigilantes on the city's transit system. However, the researchers emphasize that the study's primary goal was not to propose a literal solution, but rather to explore the psychological factors that influence public behavior.
"We're not suggesting that Milan needs to hire a team of Batmen," Dr. Rossi clarified. "Instead, our findings highlight the power of symbolism and the potential to leverage positive associations to promote a more civil and respectful public environment. Perhaps more subtle visual cues, drawing on similar themes of justice and order, could achieve similar results without resorting to theatrical interventions."
The study's findings have been published in the *Journal of Applied Behavioral Science*, and are already generating interest
Category:
Technology