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Mob mentality has the power to compel even the most intelligent or kindest individuals to engage in actions that would make even a priest blush. This occurs because while we all have a sense of self, the force of mob mentality transforms us from lone wolves into mere sheep. It’s a form of survival instinct where individuals desire to blend in with the crowd, fearing the consequences of being singled out.
When that sense of individuality disappears, it becomes easy for the emotions of the group to escalate, making rational decision-making harder. Other terms for mob mentality include groupthink, herd mentality, and crowd psychology. No matter the label, the principle remains clear: the larger the crowd, the less intelligent the individual becomes. Now, let's explore 10 examples that prove this theory.
10. The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings and trials in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693, during which individuals were accused of witchcraft. These trials led to the execution of twenty people, most of whom were women. One man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea. Earlier, twelve other women had been executed in Massachusetts and Connecticut during the 17th century.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
The trials began in February 1692, when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of practicing witchcraft. This led to an outbreak of witch-hunting. Many of these accusations were made with the most dubious, if any, evidence to back them up.
In order to avoid being branded a witch, the villagers felt compelled to either accuse others or openly support the trials. This situation mirrors what happened much later in Nazi Germany under Hitler.
9. The New York Blackout of 1977
The notorious New York City blackout took place on July 13–14, 1977, due to an electrical grid failure caused by severe weather. A lightning strike at a Con Edison substation in Queens triggered a series of failures across the system, ultimately causing the entire electrical grid serving New York City and Westchester County to shut down.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
The sense of lawlessness brought on by the blackout encouraged people to exploit the situation. This resulted in widespread looting and vandalism, especially in Brooklyn. Over 3,700 stores were looted, causing around $300 million in damage. Additionally, there were nearly 1,600 fires. The police struggled to maintain order and prevent further looting, sometimes resorting to excessive force, which only escalated the chaos.
8. The Burning Man Festival
The Burning Man Festival is an annual event held in Black Rock City, a temporary settlement in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, approximately 100 miles north-northeast of Reno. It also represents a year-round culture fostered by a global community of participants. This late summer gathering is described as an experiment in community and art, guided by ten core principles: “radical” inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression, as well as community cooperation, civic responsibility, gifting, decommodification, participation, immediacy, and leaving no trace. Yes, you read that correctly—Burning Man isn’t just the world’s largest orgy.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
At the Burning Man festival, mob mentality is evident in the activities that unfold. With over 100,000 people expressing themselves freely, often in ways that involve letting it all hang out for the sake of ultimate freedom, it becomes difficult not to be swept up in the experience.
7. The Crusades
The Crusades were a series of religious wars authorized by the Latin Church during the medieval era. The most well-known of these campaigns were aimed at ‘recovering the Holy Land’ from Muslim control. However, the term ‘Crusades’ also refers to other church-endorsed military campaigns.
These wars were fought for a variety of reasons, such as the suppression of paganism and heresy, resolving conflicts between rival Roman Catholic factions, or seeking political and territorial gain. At times, papal support made crusading an official activity of the church. Nothing says ‘Godly’ like waging war against those who hold differing beliefs. Bring out the Holy Hand Grenade!
How mob mentality played a role in this:
The Crusades were born from a mob mentality. The crusaders believed they were performing God's work by forcibly converting people to Christianity. However, the reality was that they were often just raiding and looting villages while invoking God's name.
6. Blackbirds Flying
In the early morning of March 19, 1860, a massive flock of blackbirds descended upon Brighton, England. They flew into homes, breaking windows, and attacked people in the streets, pecking at their clothes. It was as if the birds had gone into a frenzy.
More recently, in February 2022, hundreds of yellow-headed blackbirds suddenly plummeted to the ground in an unusual and unexplained event.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
The blackbirds were simply reacting on instinct, mimicking the actions of others in the flock. As one bird flew into a house, the rest of the group followed. This serves as one of the best examples of instinct-driven mob mentality, showing how it can prompt animals or humans to act irrationally. Suddenly, your mom’s question, ‘if your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?’ makes a lot more sense.
5. The Red Scare
The Red Scare was a time in the mid-20th century when there was a widespread fear of socialism and communism. This fear sparked a ‘commie hunt,’ targeting anyone suspected of being a communist or sympathetic to communist ideologies. These persecutions often took the form of public hearings where individuals were grilled about their political views.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
The Red Scare was ignited by a group of people terrified of socialism and communism infiltrating their democratic society. They used mob mentality to harass anyone they suspected of being sympathetic to these ideologies. This led to many innocent people being persecuted and losing their jobs. Much like the Salem Witch Trials, one way to clear your name was to accuse others you believed might be ‘red sympathizers.’
4. Singing at Concerts
Have you ever been at a concert where nearly everyone in the crowd is singing along (not always very well) with the band? Most people who can’t sing are fully aware of it. But somehow, when everyone around you is also singing off-key, it becomes socially acceptable. It doesn’t make much sense, but that’s the essence of mob mentality.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
Singing along at concerts is a prime example of how mob mentality influences people to do things they typically wouldn’t. When everyone around you starts singing, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and join in—even if you don’t have the best voice. Before long, you won’t even notice that you can’t hear the person you came to see perform.
3. Astroworld Concert
Travis Scott’s Astroworld concert in Houston ended in tragedy when eight people were killed in a stampede. The crowd was so overwhelming and disorganized that individuals were getting trampled. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers tied to mob mentality.
How mob mentality contributed to this:
The disaster at the Astroworld concert was a direct result of mob mentality. In a sea of people, it’s easy to become swept away in the crowd, losing sight of your own safety as well as that of others. In that moment, you might not even realize the danger until it’s far too late. No one intended to hurt anyone else, but when the crowd surges forward, you move with it.
2. Planned Riots
A small group of individuals who instigate violence can rapidly transform an otherwise peaceful event into a violent mob. This has occurred at sporting events, political demonstrations, and various other large gatherings. Once the violence ignites, it escalates quickly, evolving into a full-scale riot.
How mob mentality played a role in this:
Some individuals intentionally incite riots, knowing that if they can get a few people to start fighting, others will inevitably follow. Think of the typical bar brawl in a movie: two people collide, and the next thing you know, the entire bar is involved, with no one remembering how it all started.
1. Joining a Cult
Cults are groups that promote beliefs outside of mainstream society. Often led by a charismatic leader, these groups use manipulation to control their members. They exploit groupthink to isolate individuals from their loved ones and coerce them into actions they would never consider on their own. Here are some of the most notorious cults in history:
- Love Has One
- NXIVM
- Heaven’s Gate
- The Manson Family
How mob mentality contributed to this:
When you're surrounded by others who share the same belief, it's easy to fall into the trap of groupthink and adopt those views yourself. This can lead individuals to make decisions they wouldn't ordinarily make, such as engaging in destructive acts like mass murder, abduction, fraud, or even drinking Kool-Aid.
