mob psychology
Herd mind phenomenon
Mob psychology is the study of how people's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors change when they're part of a large group or crowd.
The term captures the observation that individuals in mobs often act in ways they wouldn't alone—becoming more impulsive, emotional, or prone to violence.
Mob psychology explains how ordinary people get swept up in riots.
The phrase is sometimes used loosely to describe any instance of groupthink or collective irrationality.
- deindividuationLoss of self-awareness in groups
- mass hysteriaShared irrational public fear
- angry mobHostile crowd seeking retribution
- riotsViolent public disturbances
- riot policeOfficers deployed for civil unrest
groupthink · lynch mobs · witch hunt · conformity · emotional contagion · flash mobs · collective action · peer pressure · influencer culture · herd behavior · pack mentality · social proof · bandwagon effect · political polarization · political rallies · panic · mob mentality · crowd mentality
mob psychologycritical thinking
Objective evaluation of information
individual conscience · self-reflection · introspection · mindfulness · contemplation
mob psychologylogical analysis
Methodical examination of reasoning
measured response · emotional detachment · stoicism · level-headedness
mob psychologycivil society
Nongovernmental organized citizenry
parliamentary procedure · rule of law · civic discourse · town hall meeting