Deindivuation: Why we act different in crowds « Health Now, Wealth Forever

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By Thain, on September 13th, 2012

Ever notice you or others around you act differently when in large groups? Sometimes yes others no. This is called deindividuation. It is defined as the loss of self-awareness and restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity. Sporting events are a good example. Those people screaming vitriol are doing so likely because they think that they won’t be noticed and probably don’t realize that they are doing it. They feel anonymous and they meld into the group, and lose a bit of individuality while in that situation. If they don’t, they might be singled out. And we as humans like to be accepted, as is the way our species.