Deindividuation is frequently cited as a contributing factor in collective behaviors such as mobs or riots. The loss of self-awareness and accountability associated with this state is thought to facilitate actions that individuals would not typically perform on their own.

Link Between Deindividuation and Mob Behavior

Deindividuation is a psychological state that can occur in group settings, characterized by a person feeling a sense of anonymity. This feeling leads to a diminished sense of self and a reduction in personal accountability for one's actions.

Google

Conformity is the tendency for individuals to alter their behavior to align with a group, a phenomenon often driven by the power of a social situation. People may conform even when the group's information is inaccurate, motivated by a desire to fit in or a belief that the group is knowledgeable.

Conformity

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A key question arising from conformity research is what variables determine the extent to which an individual will yield to group pressure. Identifying the factors that increase or decrease conformity is a central problem in social psychology.

Factors Influencing Conformity

Deindividuation

The mass conformity and obedience observed in Nazi Germany during World War II serves as a stark historical example of the negative potential of social influence. It demonstrates how unquestioningly following malevolent authority figures and conforming to immoral group norms can lead people to commit extreme acts of harm, including atrocities against humanity and mass murder.

Example of Destructive Conformity and Obedience: Nazi Germany

A new employee joins a team that is deciding on a logo for a project. The employee privately thinks Logo A is the most effective. However, during the meeting, every other team member passionately argues in favor of Logo B. When it's the employee's turn to speak, they state that they also believe Logo B is the best choice. Which of the following statements best analyzes the employee's behavior?

Learn Before

Related

Learn After