Herd mentality

If you have done something without wholly understanding it just because other people are doing it, that’s herd mentality. Human beings are social animals. For centuries, our brains have been wired to conform to the actions of the larger group. This is because, in the old times, a person’s probability of survival would be negatively impacted if they were not in a group. This herding mentality may have helped our forefathers survive in the wilderness. However, when it comes to modern times, its utility for the individual is limited. But this tendency to conform has been hardwired into our brains over centuries, so much so that we do not even realize it. Politicians and corporate houses capitalize on this herd mentality to achieve their goals. In essence, they are herding us without us realizing that we are being herded.

Herding can be defined as the phenomenon of individuals deciding to follow others and imitating group behaviors rather than deciding independently on the basis of their own, private information. According to Neuroscientists, herd mentality is caused by the desire for acceptance and to follow social norms. Herd mentality can be a good thing when a group of people is in danger or used as a force for positive change. However, the negatives of herd mentality far outweigh the positives.

Herd mentality can be observed at large-scale demonstrations, riots, strikes, religious gatherings, sports events, and outbreaks of mob violence. When herd mentality sets in, an individual person’s judgment and opinion-forming process shut down as he or she automatically follows the group’s movement.

Herd mentality can also be seen in the market, where buyers have the tendency to buy what others are buying or businesses following what others are doing. They are largely influenced by emotion and instinct, rather than by their own independent analysis. Since the 1950s, researchers have conducted conformity experiments and have showed how readily people conform or change their behaviour just to match social norms.

Herd mentality is very prevalent in Naga society. Whether it is about supporting a candidate in a local election, or rooting for a sports team, or protesting against a certain government policy, herd mentality kicks in and things turn ugly very often. Likewise, shrewd traders exploit this herd mentality to sell their products.

Herd mentality can have a negative effect, and lead to making decisions that you know are not correct. There are ways to avoid having a herd mentality. Stop and think, take time and do research before making a decision, and be willing to stand out from the crowd.