Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
It's easy to lose our sense of self when we're interacting online and can turn into sheep just doing what everyone else is doing.
Key Points:
- Humans are social creatures. Sometimes the things other people do overwhelm our sensibilities and we do things just because others are!
- The Herd Mentality has roots in social pressure. We all want to be accepted, and in times of stress, that pressure becomes more powerful.
- People in a crowd feel less guilt, less individuality, and more support from other members of the group. This is called “de-individualization.”
- Being in crowds, and even being on the road driving, can change our thoughts and behaviors! We might say or do things we otherwise never wouldn’t!
- Why does all this matter? Because the same thing happens when we use social media. When people join together with others even in something as simple as “liking” or sharing a post, they feel empowered because they are now part of a greater whole of people who also “like” that thing.
Quote This:
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking. –George S. Patton
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever “gone along with the crowd” or done something mostly because others were? What happened?
- What are some times you’ve observed the “herd mentality”? Explain.
- Do you think it’s true that people say and do things on social media they’d never do in “real life”? Explain.
- What do you think are some benefits to the “herd mentality”?
- How can you regain your individuality when you’ve become part of a “herd”?
- Why is it important not to allow ourselves to be controlled by the crowd?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
