Mass formation

Mass psychosis
Mass hypnosis

Nature

Mass formation refers to a psychological phenomenon where large groups of individuals converge around a shared belief or ideology, often leading to collective behavior that can overshadow individual critical thinking. This process can result in the acceptance of misinformation, heightened emotional responses, and a diminished sense of personal responsibility. While it can foster social cohesion, mass formation can also lead to dangerous outcomes, such as the perpetuation of harmful ideologies or the escalation of conflict. Understanding mass formation is crucial for addressing its potential negative impacts on society, particularly in the context of political movements and public health crises.

Incidence

Empirical studies on mass formation—where large groups adopt shared beliefs or behaviors, often irrationally—are limited, but social psychologists have documented its occurrence in various societies, particularly during periods of crisis or uncertainty. Surveys and historical analyses suggest that mass formation can affect millions, with notable spikes during times of political upheaval, economic instability, or widespread misinformation, though precise global prevalence remains difficult to quantify.
A prominent example occurred in the Netherlands in 2020, when segments of the population rapidly adopted conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19, leading to mass protests and social unrest. This phenomenon was documented by Dutch sociologists and media outlets.

Claim

When one participates in totalitarian systems — whether that is out of fear, a desire for belonging, or for financial reasons (or some combination of all three — one quickly comes to actually believe in the things one is doing. It’s not an act, it’s more than obedience , and a belief in the sacred duty of self-inflicted genocide.

Counter-claim

Mass formation is often overstated as a significant issue, diverting attention from real societal challenges. The notion that large groups can be easily manipulated overlooks the resilience and critical thinking of individuals. People are capable of discerning truth from falsehood, and the focus on mass formation distracts from pressing matters like poverty, education, and healthcare. Instead of fearing collective behavior, we should celebrate community and collaboration, which are essential for progress and innovation.