Research shows that people tend to come together and support each other in crowds or groups under stress or emergencies, promoting resilience and collective behavior in times of crisis.
Individuals in crowds often exhibit trust, cooperation, and support for one another, shifting from their personal self to a social self and acting according to group norms and values.
Deep dives
Importance of Understanding Psychology of Group Behavior
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of understanding the psychology of group behavior. Government leaders' communication and public adherence to health advice played a crucial role in pandemic management. Psychology has long explored questions around authority and group identity. Contrary to the idea of mindless mob mentality, research shows that people tend to come together and support each other in crowds or groups under stress or emergencies. This sense of shared identity promotes resilience and collective behavior in times of crisis. Understanding group behavior can inform strategies for societal issues and policy challenges.
Anonymity in Crowds Does Not Imply Mindlessness
The common assumption that anonymity leads to mindless and irrational behavior in crowds is flawed. Research shows that individuals in crowds are not truly anonymous since they often attend with people they know and share similar group identities. The classic crowd psychology notion of deindividuation fails to consider the perspectives of those within the crowd who have relationships and shared values. People in crowds may shift from their personal self to a social self, acting according to group norms and values. Therefore, rather than losing control, individuals in crowds often exhibit trust, cooperation, and support for one another.
Leadership and Identifying with the Group Shape Crowd Behavior
Crowd behavior is influenced by leadership and group identity. Leaders influence crowd behavior by defining the group's norms and values, shaping individuals' behavior and fostering identification with the group. Research indicates that effective crowd policing involves understanding the diverse groups present within a crowd, rather than treating all individuals as inherently dangerous. Policing strategies that facilitate crowd self-policing and cooperation with law enforcement can lead to more positive outcomes. Understanding the dynamics of crowd behavior, leadership, and identity helps in promoting safety and preventing indiscriminate repressive measures.
Reevaluating Milgram's and Stanford Prison Experiment's Lessons on Obedience and Authority
The interpretations of Stanley Milgram's shock experiments and the Stanford Prison Experiment have been subject to reconsideration. While these studies are well-known for highlighting blind obedience to authority, recent reinterpretations suggest that people are aware of their actions and make moral choices within the context they perceive. Leadership and identification with the experimenter play a significant role in influencing obedience. Viewing these studies through the lens of group psychology indicates that individuals weigh conflicting moralities and follow the perceived greater good. These studies continue to serve as critical reminders about the dangers of harmful actions justified by allegiance to authority or a greater cause.
What happens when people gather in crowds – whether for political rallies, protests, football games or religious pilgrimages? Stephen Reicher, PhD, of St. Andrew’s University in Scotland, discusses why “mob mentality” is a myth; other misconceptions about crowd behavior; the role of leaders in groups and what can we learn from re-examining some classic psychology studies on obedience to authority; and what we’ve learned about leaders, followers, group identity and collective behavior from the COVID-19 pandemic. For transcripts, links and more information, please visit the Speaking of Psychology Homepage.