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The Hidden Forces of the Hive Mind

Crowd psychology is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It’s no surprise that even the most open-minded and reasonable individuals might scoff at its mention, particularly if it’s their first encounter with the concept in a discussion. The idea of the ‘hive mind’—a term that refers to a collective consciousness where a group becomes aware of their commonality and begins to think and act as a community—is often dismissed by the same people who are the ones most likely to fall prey to it.

This dismissal can be seen as a defence mechanism, an unconscious psychological strategy that enables individuals to cope with reality and maintain their self-image. Defence mechanisms often work unconsciously, shielding us from feelings of anxiety or guilt that can arise from unacceptable thoughts or feelings. They include denial, repression, projection, displacement, and rationalisation, all of which serve to protect the ego and reduce feelings of anxiety or guilt. Over-reliance on these mechanisms can prevent individuals from fully confronting their problems, potentially leading to unhealthy patterns of behaviour.

Open-minded individuals will acknowledge facts within any scientific field when presented with direct evidence. However, this cannot be said for the majority of the human population, who are even more prone to the biases and logical fallacies that lead to herd mentalities and associated behaviours. In social situations, there appears to be a tendency to agree with the in-group, ensuring that an individual will not be stigmatised for expressing a dissenting view. Yet, in a different situation, this same individual may express a contrasting view that aligns with a new crowd, all for the sake of social acceptance. This introspective examination of social dynamics underscores the complex interplay between individual thought and collective behaviour, offering a critical, sceptical, yet firm and forthright exploration of our social fabric.

*This essay is featured in the book, Denial.