In the contemporary world, crowds are a common occurrence, and understanding the psychological factors that influence their formation and behaviour is crucial. These dynamics are not merely academic; they have real-world implications for security, social order, and individual behaviour. Crowds can form for various reasons, and while they can be peaceful, they also have the potential to turn into disorderly mobs. This transformation can be attributed to several psychological factors, each of which warrants closer examination.
One of the primary factors that attracts individuals to a crowd is the sense of security it provides. During periods of civil unrest, large gangs roaming the streets create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. In such situations, individuals may join a crowd, not out of agreement with its actions or beliefs, but simply for the perceived safety that comes with being part of a larger group. This phenomenon is often seen in areas experiencing political upheaval or social unrest. For instance, during the 2011 London riots, many individuals who initially had no intention of participating in the looting or violence found themselves swept up in the chaos, seeking security in numbers amidst the disorder.
The same was very obvious during the COVID response, many Australians who strongly disagreed with government interventionism and lauded bodily autonomy, immediately joined the MOB, seeking to lock down their fellow citizens and impose forced drug trials on others due to an uncontrollable fear of a sniffle.
Crowds often fall under the influence of dominant members, whose ideas and actions shape the behaviour of the group. This phenomenon is rooted in the psychological principle of suggestion, where individuals within the crowd adopt the ideas and actions of a forceful leader without conscious objection. This led to a suspension of good judgement and common sense. A historical example is the French Revolution, where charismatic leaders like Robespierre were able to sway the masses towards radical actions that many individuals would not have considered on their own. The power of suggestion in crowds leads to the acceptance of extreme ideas and actions, transforming a peaceful assembly into a volatile mob. The promotion of police as a militia of the state was a direct response to the justifiable judicial beheadings that occurred during the Revolution.
Another factor that draws individuals to crowds is the novelty and excitement they offer. Joining a crowd can be a welcome break from the monotony of daily life. This desire for new experiences leads individuals to participate in activities they might otherwise avoid. The Woodstock Festival is a prime example of this phenomenon. While the event was initially intended to be a peaceful music festival, the sheer novelty and scale of the gathering led to an environment where normal social constraints were relaxed, resulting in widespread drug use and other sexual behaviours that deviated from societal norms. While history is filled with such events, this one was recorded and, in some parts, televised, bringing greater attention to such events.
The feeling of anonymity within a crowd leads individuals to act in ways they would normally avoid. This loss of self-consciousness and individual identity provides a sense of safety from detection and punishment. This effect was evident in the infamous Philip Zimbardo Stanford prison experiment from 1971. Participants assigned to the role of guards adopted behaviours that were extreme and uncharacteristic of their normal personalities, driven by the perceived anonymity and power granted by the group dynamic. While this brutality was unexpected by researchers at the time, there was plenty of historical context to verify that such a result would be perceivable.
Crowds provide an opportunity for the release of pent-up emotions and desires that are normally restrained. This release can be a powerful incentive for individuals to join and participate in crowd activities. The Hamas movement, which began after the October 7 invasion, saw individuals across the Middle East, UK, Australia, and North America join mass protests against the very victims of the October 7th brutality. Long-standing grievances and a desire for political and social change were the driving forces behind these protests. While many could claim this was a rise in anti-Semitism, this was mainly due to the rise in identity politics and the perception that Hamas terrorists are the victims. The collective emotional release in these crowds has led to significant political upheavals and, in some cases, violent confrontations. The most destructive results have been active attempts by politicians to use the event to destroy the tenets of the American First Amendment by seeking to introduce forms of hate speech.
Understanding these psychological factors is not just an academic exercise; it has practical implications for managing crowds and maintaining social order. Security forces and policymakers need to recognise the reasons behind crowd formation and the potential for escalation. Strategies for crowd management should focus on addressing the underlying psychological needs of individuals, such as security and emotional release, while mitigating the influence of suggestion and anonymity.
During large public events or protests, providing a visible security presence, cool water, and clear communication helps alleviate fears and reduce the likelihood of disorder. Additionally, engaging with crowd leaders and influencers helps steer the group towards peaceful and constructive actions. By addressing the psychological motivations that drive crowd behaviour, it is possible to prevent peaceful assemblies from turning into chaotic mobs.
Protests can be used as a vent to alleviate pain and suffering, regulate emotional release, and dissuade groups of like-minded individuals from turning into well armed militias. While in complete disregard of the politically repressive and authoritarian police officers during the failed COVID response, I organised and helped organise several protests in direct response to an uptake of several thousand purchasers of cross-bows and assorted sharps in the community. On both social media and private messenger groups, over 1700 individuals with military backgrounds were seriously considering armed civil discourse. The protests worked as a pressure valve that allowed the majority of these members to alleviate their stress and regulate their behaviour through the effective use of recreational activities like walking.
I used this learned skill set as a motivator for a book I wrote called The 4 Ts, Tools for Avoiding Violence. While people are talking, typing, texting, and trading, they are not "punching on."
The psychological factors that influence crowd behaviour are complex and multifaceted. Security, suggestion, novelty, loss of identity, and emotional release all play critical roles in transforming peaceful groups into disorderly mobs. Real-world examples highlight the importance of understanding these dynamics. By applying this knowledge, we can develop better strategies for managing crowds, ensuring public safety, and maintaining social order. The insights provided by security and psychologists offer valuable guidance in navigating the challenges posed by crowd behaviour in today's world.
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