When a few people break the rules, bad behavior spreads quickly

October 20, 2026 · 11:05 pm 2 sources

Image: The Guardian

Coverage

Wires & papers of record

• Bad apple effect: study shows how people are influenced by rule-breaking of others
  The Guardian · October 20, 2026 23:05
  Research shows how seeing bigger violations by others can lead people to increase their own rule-breaking From politicians taking bribes to bullying and harassment in City firms , leaders have been quick to label those who break the rules as the odd “bad apple”. But new research backs up the idiom…

More coverage

• When a few people break the rules, bad behavior spreads quickly
  Phys.org · October 21, 2026 17:30
  The old saying that one bad apple spoils the barrel suggests that an individual behaving badly can have a negative influence on the entire group. The idea now has some fresh scientific backing.