The Art of Independent Thinking: Breaking the Chains of Herd Mentality and Exploring a Different Life

We’ve all seen, heard, or experienced situations where we adopt the beliefs or behaviors of the majority, to the detriment of our own judgment or individuality. This is what Psychology calls herd mentality. It’s also known as mob or crowd mentality. Herd mentality can be seen in real life situations.

• Social media virality and the desire to replicate it
• Buy trendy clothing without thinking about the environmental and economic consequences
• The idea of majority is often used in political scenarios, such as the Rise of Nazi Germany, without taking into account the impact of the scenario on others or the future.
• Panic buying during times of crisis, such as COVID-19 pandemic

Why does it happen?

Humans are social creatures by nature!

Sometimes we seek out other sources of guidance and confirmation. We also use mental shortcuts to conform to the majority without critically evaluating the group’s beliefs and behaviours. The need to belong is also ranked third in Maslow’s hierarchy. It is clear that people want to fit in and belong.

Read more: Does socializing improve your quality of life?

A second reason for mob mentality is the influence that people feel before they adopt a particular belief or behaviour pattern. The influence can be informational or normative. People change their behavior to make it appear right. The majority is a good indicator of what is right. Normative influence is when people follow a group to avoid punishments or gain rewards.

Read More: Psychology Behind Choices

What are the signs and symptoms of herd behavior?

You or someone else can detect herd-like behavior by noticing these signs.

• Group polarization is a psychological phenomenon in which the attitudes, beliefs, and decisions of groups are more extreme or amplified than those held by individuals. This can escalate conflict, marginalize minorities’ viewpoints and lead to groupthink. Check to see if there is a collective extreme opinion in the group.
• The term Diffusion Of Responsibility refers to the phenomenon in which individuals diffuse their own responsibility for a particular incident, believing that others will handle it. Accidents and crimes are reported late when people who pass by them diffuse their responsibility by making excuses.

Read more: Emotions play an important role in decision-making

• The act of conformity is the act of altering one’s behavior to fit into the group. You or others should check if they change their behaviour or beliefs to fit in with the majority.
• The term groupthink is used to describe a phenomenon in which members of a group tend to prioritize consensus over thinking critically and rationally when making decisions. Check to see if the group has a tendency towards irrational decisions.
• You or your partner may feel discouraged from expressing opinions that could be contrary to the status quo.

Herd mentality has negative effects

The mob mentality is a powerful tool that can lead to a frenzy fueled by aggression and a feeling of power. Individuals are given a false sense of identity, and a feeling of anonymity. In general, mob mentality and extreme deviant behavior are the result. Following the herd also puts people into a fixed state, where they’re not open to any new facts or ideas, even if these ideas are more appropriate and relevant. They lose the ability to critically think and reason. This tendency has been the cause of many violent wars and conflicts around the world throughout history. Salem Witch Trials, the Holocaust, Israel-Palestine conflict and genocides and religious disputes in India are some examples.

Read more: Do you suffer from an Identity Crisis

Herd mentality has many positive side effects

Herd mentality can have positive effects in some situations. It is possible to achieve this in situations when people lack extensive knowledge and/or expertise. The collective knowledge of the group is greater than that of an individual, and this could result in better outcomes. Following the majority or group judgment can also help to speed up decision-making.

Read more: 8 tips to boost your self-esteem

Herd mentality is also a way to foster a community. The Burning Man shows the positive side of mob-mentality. This festival is based on cultural practices and often includes community and art. It follows ten principles, including radical inclusion, self expression, self-reliance and civic responsibility.

How can you avoid the herd mentality of others?

Herd mentality is not beneficial, despite some positive effects. It is therefore important to resist being influenced by the majority, and to maintain your individuality when it comes your beliefs, thoughts and actions. Here are some strategies that will help you to think outside the herd mentality.

• Develop self-awareness. By doing so, you will be able to make more authentic decisions.
• Build your confidence. As important as building self-awareness is, you also need to build your self-esteem.
• Accept critical thinking. Ask questions regarding the beliefs, behaviours and thoughts. Before making a final decision, weigh the pros and cons.
• Seek diverse perspectives. It’s not helpful to stay in your bubble. To gain a better understanding of the world, you need to have conversations with people who come from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Accept uncertainty. It can be uncomfortable and lonely to not follow a group. It is recommended that you stay true to your values, stand by your decisions and welcome any changes in opinion.