The Psychology of the Crowd

If you ask me, a "mob" isn't fundamentally different from any single individual; it simply suffers from fewer inhibitions because it doesn't feel the need to seek validation or approval from anyone else.

Raymond Turner6 said:I’m not sure if anyone else here follows what happens down at Central Park, but I always get a kick out of watching the chaos unfold there. For instance, you'll see some guy in the middle of a crowd suddenly start screaming "Rebellion! Rebellion!" and within a heartbeat, the whole mob is right behind him. Why are they rebelling? Who are they even against? Nobody has a clue! But hey, they're all in it together now.

silentgardener4 said:if that was all there was to it, he could just head down to the State Fair and announce over the loudspeaker, hey folks, I’ve got a brilliant idea! let’s hit the vendor booths because we’ll probably get away with it! and everyone would start looting immediately.

silentgardener4 said:If you ask me—and I mean this sincerely—a crowd isn't really that different from an individual... they just lack those personal inhibitions since they don't feel the need to justify their actions or seek approval from others...

wearyowl29 said:"When people join together, their ears grow longer"...that’s how some say it, thinking primarily about a crowd that isn't just a sum of individual talents, but a distinct organism with its own rules and psychology.

A crowd is easy to ignite, so individuals often ignore the consequences of what they do.
In a crowd, everyone puts on a mask, and personal responsibility just vanishes.
The group loses its sense of fear; instead, they're united by interests that swallow up individual caution in favor of "higher goals."
Being part of a mass gives a false sense of security.
It lacks objectivity and lashes out at any criticism.
The crowd believes it has the right to decide everything.
It thinks it has rights that an individual simply doesn't possess.

It's easy to manipulate a crowd, especially during a crisis, because they soak up ideas and stances so quickly.
They get worked up easily,
and they're easy to defeat... everything falls apart once stronger arguments, weapons, or military force are used against an agitated mob.

wearyowl29 said:There's that old saying, "When people unite, their ears grow longer," which is such a funny way to put it. People say things like that when they're thinking about a crowd as this massive, singular entity—a sort of psychological organism that operates by its own weird set of rules rather than just being a collection of individuals.

A crowd is incredibly volatile. It's highly combustible! Individuals stop weighing the consequences of what they're doing because, well,
the crowd absorbs all personal responsibility. Everyone puts on that "mob mask" and suddenly, individual accountability just vanishes.
The crowd doesn't feel fear the way we do. What binds them together is a shared interest that effectively drowns out any personal terror in favor of some perceived higher cause.
Being part of a crowd gives people this totally fake sense of security.
A crowd isn't objective; it lashes out at anything that dares to criticize it.
The crowd genuinely believes it has the right to decide everything.
It thinks it has rights that an individual simply doesn't possess.

It is so easy to manipulate a crowd, especially when things get intense. They soak up ideas and viewpoints like a sponge.
They get worked up so easily!
And honestly? They're quite easy to defeat... everything falls apart the moment that hyped-up crowd is met with stronger arguments, or more importantly, the sheer force of weapons, the military, or heavy-handed repression.

the collective lacks accountability—everyone hides behind the group identity and loses their sense of individual responsibility.

crowds don't feel fear; what binds them is a shared interest where individual fear vanishes in favor of serving higher goals.

a crowd provides a false sense of security.

the mass lacks objectivity and reacts aggressively to any criticism leveled against it.

the masses believe they have the right to decide.
the masses think they have rights that an individual does not.

it's easy to manipulate a crowd, especially during crises; they pick up ideas and stances incredibly quickly.

they get worked up easily.
and they're easy to crush... it all falls apart when a hyped-up crowd is met with stronger arguments, weapons, the military, or repression.

Ryan Diaz5 said:What exactly makes you conclude that a crowd is so easily ignited?

the collective lacks accountability—everyone hides behind the group identity and loses their sense of individual responsibility.

Using "everyone" is a pretty massive assumption. Who’s to say that personal responsibility doesn't diminish for some while actually intensifying for others within a group? Where’s the actual evidence for that?

crowds don't feel fear; what binds them is a shared interest where individual fear vanishes in favor of serving higher goals.

Saying a crowd feels no fear is totally unfounded. We see the consequences of panic and stampedes all the time.

a crowd provides a false sense of security.

Actually, it provides a very real sense of security.

the mass lacks objectivity and reacts aggressively to any criticism leveled against it.

Doesn't an individual react aggressively to anything that threatens their own interests? Is anyone truly objective when their own stakes are on the line?

the masses believe they have the right to decide.
the masses think they have rights that an individual does not.

That's basically the entire foundation of democracy. Are you suggesting otherwise—that the people shouldn't have a say?

it's easy to manipulate a crowd, especially during crises; they pick up ideas and stances incredibly quickly.

What does that even mean in practice? Can you give me an example?

they get worked up easily.
and they're easy to crush... it all falls apart when a hyped-up crowd is met with stronger arguments, weapons, the military, or repression.

Honestly, if you look back at history, we’ve been staring at a constant stream of completely contradictory examples.

wearyowl29 said:It’s not flammable... give it three or four years and this whole thread will go up in flames just like everything else!

Ryan Diaz5;16559997 said:

🙂 Hey, please don't take this personally! I'm just jumping in here because I didn't want to clutter things up by starting an entirely new thread. I’ve been noticing something interesting lately. When we start diving into the whole psychology of the crowd, there seem to be these built-in biases floating around. For instance, that point you made a few years back—it feels like it might have been shaped by a specific movie you saw or maybe some sociologist or philosopher you were reading at the time. It’s funny how those early impressions stick with us, right? I remember reading a book on social dynamics back in college and thinking I had it all figured out, only to realize later how much media influence actually plays a role. Anyway, I think it would be super fascinating to hear your take on it now. How do you view that same concept today?

Between all the books I’ve devoured, finishing my degree, tackling those "post-grad" courses every single year, and just soaking up everything life throws at me, I can confidently say that...
I haven’t changed my mind one bit! Honestly, I'm still standing by what I said. A mindless mob—just a sea of faces acting as one—has a life of its own. And you can tell exactly how long that "herd mentality" lasts by looking at how we function. It shows that we’ve completely traded in our sense of individual responsibility for this misguided, almost divine, feeling of being part of a collective "we." It's wild when you think about it!

Honestly, watching how certain sociologists tried to make sense of everything that went down—events I actually happened to be right in the middle of—leaves me torn between laughing my head off and just straight-up weeping. It’s surreal! But here’s the kicker: the way these "experts" interpreted things wasn't any different from how a local preacher or even a guy working on a construction site would have spun it. And let's be real, those guys weren't exactly eyewitnesses to the specifics either!

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting them yet!

I honestly think this topic is absolutely fascinating! It’s one of those things that never gets old, no matter how much you dive into it. I could talk about this all day! 😉 It’s all happening right now, isn't it? Honestly, I feel like people are slapping a mountain of fake attributes onto this situation—just piling on qualities that aren't even there. It feels like everyone is rushing to judgment before the ink is even dry! I really want to see the actual data behind these claims. What kind of research actually led to these conclusions? Which specific groups were surveyed to get these numbers? I need to see the math! 🙂 So, what are they saying? Seriously, what’s the word on the street? Give me the scoop!

It’s an interesting point you raise! But really, why do we feel this constant urge to justify the masses? Why do we try to pin complex attributes onto a crowd that simply isn't capable of developing them? It feels like we're trying to dress up a giant shadow and call it a person. I once saw a documentary about large-scale social movements here in the States, and it hit me—we often project these sophisticated intentions onto groups that are really just reacting to instinct. It's quite a fascinating psychological loop, don't you think?
Let’s just say it can handle a little heat! Whether you're talking about fire, a lighter, or even an open flame—this thing is built to take it. It's tough. Truly!
What’s up, everyone? I was just sitting here thinking about what exactly constitutes a long fuse combined with an absolute surplus of patience when it comes to throwing things. It's a funny thought, isn't it? Makes me think of those old-school backyard BBQs in the suburbs where someone decides to light a firework way too early. You know the type—just standing there, grinning, waiting for that perfect moment to let it rip. Just pure, unadulterated anticipation!
Developing personal responsibility isn't just some lofty concept you read about in a self-help book—it’s actually the heartbeat of a meaningful life! I truly believe that once you start owning your choices, everything shifts. It’s about looking in the mirror and saying, "Okay, this is on me." No finger-pointing at the boss, no blaming the economy, and definitely no excuses about the weather. I remember back when I was living in Chicago, I used to blame my messy apartment entirely on my hectic work schedule. What a joke! I was just being lazy. Once I took ownership of my own mess, my whole mindset changed. It sounds small, but it's massive. When you stop playing the victim, you suddenly realize you have the power to change your circumstances. You aren't just a passenger in your own life; you're the driver! It’s incredibly empowering, really. Just take that first step and own it. You'll feel lighter, I promise!
It’s all about that gutsy courage—you know, having the backbone to stare a problem right in the face, especially when it feels like it's completely outrunning you!
And he does it right there on the street! Honestly, just out in the open like that. It’s wild!
Self-criticism is such a tricky thing! It’s like having a tiny, overly intense life coach living inside your head who refuses to take a day off. You know the type? They’re always there, hovering just over your shoulder, pointing out that little typo in your email or that awkward thing you said at the office holiday party. I used to be my own worst enemy in that department. Honestly, I spent way too many nights staring at the ceiling, dissecting every single decision I made during the day. It was exhausting! But here’s the thing I’ve realized lately: there is a massive difference between being self-aware and being totally self-destructive. Real growth comes from looking in the mirror and saying, "Hey, that wasn't my best work," without following it up with, "And you're a complete failure." We have to learn how to balance that inner critic with a bit of grace. Think of it as fine-tuning an instrument rather than smashing it against the floor! It's all about finding that sweet spot where you can improve without losing your mind in the process. Stay positive, everyone!
It’s funny how things work, isn't it? I was sitting there this morning, just nursing my coffee, thinking about how much easier life gets when you aren't constantly fighting your own impulses. You know that feeling? When you finally make a decision with a completely clear, sober head? It's like a fog lifting off the streets of Washington, D.C. after a heavy thunderstorm. Everything is just... sharp. I remember back in college, staying up way too late, making all those questionable choices because I wasn't thinking straight. Total mess! But now? When you approach a choice with total clarity—no distractions, no cloudiness—it’s a game changer. It's about that quiet, steady confidence. You aren't reacting to the noise; you're actually listening to what needs to be done. It feels great, honestly! Just pure, unadulterated focus. There's a certain joy in being in control of your own compass.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how we protect ourselves against potential manipulation. It’s a heavy topic, I know! But honestly, it's so important. You have to stay vigilant. I remember back when I was working a desk job in Chicago, there was this one manager who could twist anyone's words to suit his agenda. It was exhausting! But you learn. You develop this internal resistance, a sort of mental armor, against being pushed around or misled. It’s all about keeping your wits about you and trusting your gut. Stay sharp, everyone!

And everything else!

wearyowl29 said:Between my reading habits, one completed degree, a "post-grad" course every single year, and enough life lessons and personal screw-ups, I can say that
my opinion hasn't shifted an inch. It’s still the same.

The mob—that mindless herd—has a life of its own, and the way it plays out shows how we've traded our individual sense of responsibility for this collective, "divine" hive-mind mentality.

I'm not familiar with those.

It’s an interesting point, but why on earth do we feel the need to justify "the masses" by assigning them qualities they simply aren't capable of possessing?
For instance, acting like they're fireproof, or maybe like a matchstick, a flame
with a long fuse and just enough patience to wait for the right moment to be tossed.

developing individual personal responsibility
as well as having the guts to face a problem head-on when it feels overwhelming
which apparently happens via the streets
fostering self-criticism
making decisions with a level head
resisting potential manipulation

and all that good stuff.

Ryan Diaz5;16561091 said:

That really reminds me of how religious folks argue. Human progress and science move forward specifically because certain long-held assumptions get torn down by individuals.

Well, fantastic! I’m officially inviting the entire non-scientific and scientific communities to come tear down my preconceptions. Until then, let's all just have a grand old time daydreaming about what kind of lonely little mob is wandering through town hunting for the Golden Fleece.

We see it everywhere—countless people with degrees from supposedly "cultured and civilized" institutions. It’s not a guarantee that good ideas come from there; in fact, some of the worst ideas emerge from those exact environments. Claiming an idea is good just because it’s taught at a university is basically the same logic as saying it’s good because it’s been preached in churches for centuries.

When I was in college, I learned how to synthesize and analyze material. Everything else I picked up there was just a happy accident along the way.

Maybe you could provide an example to illustrate this point?

Sure thing! How about a Saturday night gathering of the Ku Klux Klan in Alabama... or maybe a Native American falling into the hands of a Nazi in Lyon... or perhaps the celebrations of SS units before a Jewish holiday in Hitler's Germany... or even spotting a gay man at a bus stop in Oak Grove...

I’m not trying to justify the masses or criticize them; I’m just interested in finding the truth in specific instances.

Then you absolutely have to look at specific cases! Think about the massive protests for KROQ in Washington, D.C.... farmers protesting wheat prices, or the 1968 student uprisings in Paris... a rock concert, a football game, a protest over cafeteria food, or a riot over price hikes... even under dictatorships. The rules of behavior stay the same even if the reason they gather changes. There's a fundamental law that turns them into a mass and binds them together.

There are actually some interesting attempts to justify the "wisdom of the crowd." I think a book came out discussing examples where collective decisions actually turned out better than anything any single individual decided on. I haven't read it myself, though—just caught a few examples in a review.

A crowd doesn't possess the original thought that an individual leader does. No, a crowd looks for guidance, a spark, and an alibi to vent its frustrations. If they don't find that, and they're feeling dissatisfied, they can slip into anarchy pretty quickly.
Originality versus imitation... well, imitation might be interesting, but I wouldn't call it original.
But hey, it's still called imitation for a reason.😲

wearyowl29 said:Great, I’ll just go ahead and ask the entire scientific community to come over and dismantle my preconceived notions. Until then, I guess we can all just enjoy ourselves, wandering around like some lonely mob roaming the streets in search of a Golden Fleece.