Good Morning QW: Why do you think people are more likely to do something when lots of other people are doing it too? What are some situations that are influenced by being with a group?

Diffusion of Responsibility AKA “Mob Mentality” This term is used to describe unique behavioral characteristics which emerge when people are part of a group. Diffusion means “spread out widely” In this case, it’s the responsibility for actions/choices that is spread out among numerous people When part of a group, people tend to do things they wouldn’t normally do when acting alone They feel a loss of individualism and like they can’t be held accountable for their actions.

This can lead to good things…

But often leads to violence and destruction…

Key Points When we feel anonymous, we do things that we wouldn’t want to be held responsible for…things we wouldn’t do if we were acting alone. It only takes a single person in a group to spark a frenzy of action (be it positive or negative) When individuality is restored, the action stops. -Being called by name -Being reminded of what you’re doing -Being the only one still “doing” the action -Facing consequences of actions -Being watched by someone you know