MOB/HERD MENTALITY
Going along with the group, particularly in violent acts (mob mentality)
• The group makes behaviors seem acceptable that would not be
acceptable otherwise
• Whatever behavior a group of people are partaking in must be
important and right – they must know more than I do
Peer pressure, conformity (herd mentality)
• Fashion, smoking, drinking, music tastes
Examples
• Concerts, sporting events, riots, Black Friday, waiting for long periods
of time to eat at a crowded restaurant, people fleeing buildings,
SOCIAL MEDIA
Why does this happen?
DEINDIVIDUATION
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Loss of self-awareness
Less likely to follow normal restraints
Loss of inhibitions
Loss of individual identity
Loss of individual values and principles
IT WAS THEM, NOT ME
• We tend to do what those around us are doing
• Individuals believe they cannot be held responsible
because it was the group’s behavior/actions, not their
own (everyone was doing it)
• Leads to the diffusion of responsibility
• The bigger the mob, the easier this becomes
• Anonymity
• The behavior cannot be traced back to them
• Fewer social inhibitions
• Caught up in the emotional excitement
WHO IS AT RISK?
• In a nutshell, everyone can become wrapped up in
this
• Think again about concerts, sporting events, gatherings
of large crowds
• Dire situations
• Looting after a disaster
• People with anti-social tendencies or who lack family
bonds
• Gangs
EXAMPLES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou76DXq57MI