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The Social Media Mob

26 0
21.03.2024

Mob psychology has intrigued scholars since the French Revolution and was even recognized in classical Rome. The Internet adds new twists to mob psychology, but the beast remains much the same.

French genius Gustave LeBon described the basic features of mob behavior in 1895. Since then, leading social psychologists have tweaked his version of “The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind.” His title could easily be applied to a contemporary book about the workings of social media.

Le Bon characterized the mental state of members of a mob as unanimous, emotional, and intellectually weak. He might have been describing the herd mentality of people on online platforms who are deeply emotional and lacking in skepticism or discipline as they amplify the opinions of others by “liking” or retweeting.

The anonymity of the crowd can be enhanced by wearing masks, carrying emblems or flags, or donning an informal uniform such as the leather jackets worn by motorcycle gangs. Under a mask of anonymity, mob members experience a diminished sense of responsibility and accountability. They become deindividuated, which means their focus of attention........

© Psychology Today


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