In this engaging conversation, Mattias Desmet, a psychology professor at the University of Ghent and author of 'The Psychology of Totalitarianism', dissects mass formation psychosis, particularly its rise during the pandemic. He delves into how loneliness fuels herd mentality and explores the crucial need for dissenting voices. Desmet highlights the potential for a movement toward sincerity and truth as a counter to manipulation, urging a return to empathy and ethical resilience to combat totalitarianism, and emphasizing the power of authentic expression in challenging collective pressures.
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Quick takeaways
Mass formation psychosis reveals how educated individuals can conform to flawed ideologies due to social pressures and lack of critical thinking.
The prevalence of loneliness in society amplifies vulnerability to mass narratives, highlighting the importance of authenticity to combat totalitarianism.
Deep dives
Understanding Mass Formation Psychosis
Mass formation psychosis is a psychological phenomenon where highly educated individuals fall prey to absurd narratives due to their desire for social conformity and a lack of critical thinking skills. This concept is rooted in the realization of the replication crisis in the sciences, where a significant percentage of research findings could not be reproduced, casting doubt on their validity. Professor Matthias Desmet argues that an educational system fostering conformity over independent thought contributes to this susceptibility. Throughout history, similar patterns have been observed, demonstrating that intelligent individuals can collectively embrace flawed ideologies when they fail to question established norms.
The Role of Loneliness in Mass Formation
The prevalence of loneliness in society, exacerbated over the last two centuries by a materialistic worldview, contributes to an individual's vulnerability to mass formation. As people feel increasingly disconnected and lack a sense of purpose, they become susceptible to collective ideologies that promise relief from their anxiety. During crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this disconnect can lead to an immediate psychological bond with a narrative that offers a shared battle against a common threat. Thus, while mass formation may provide a sense of unity, it ultimately reinforces individual isolation and undermines authentic human connections.
Dynamics of Resistance in Society
The dynamics of mass formation demonstrate how a relatively small group of cohesive individuals can sway the perceptions of a larger population, leading to a collective sense of fear and compliance. While approximately 20-30% of individuals may align fervently with a mass narrative, a larger portion remains silent due to fear of confrontation, leaving a smaller group to challenge the dominant narrative. Historical examples show that social upheaval can be mitigated when individuals choose to speak out against mass psychosis, as seen during the early responses to the COVID-19 crisis. This illustrates the necessity for dissent to prevent society from devolving into totalitarianism.
The Ethical Imperative of Sincerity
To combat mass formation and its dehumanizing effects, it's essential for individuals to uphold ethical principles and prioritize sincerity in communication. Speaking truthfully often comes with the cost of losing acceptance in a conformist society, yet it is through this authenticity that individuals can reconnect with their humanity. The act of sincere speech fosters genuine connections, shifting focus from superficial appearances to meaningful relationships. By choosing to articulate sincere thoughts, individuals remain grounded in their humanity, providing a vital counterweight to the normalization of mass deception and the danger of totalitarian ideologies.
Professor of psychology and author Mattias Desmet is the world expert on mass formation psychosis, a condition he observed during the pandemic years. He joins UnHerd's Florence Read to unpack the links between herd mentality and totalitarianism.