Scientific Frontline
Collective delusion occurs when a cohesive group of individuals simultaneously adopts irrational beliefs, behaviors, or acute physiological symptoms that are entirely decoupled from verifiable reality, environmental toxins, or biological pathogens. Far from a simple cognitive failure, it is a complex phenomenon driven by the brain's evolutionary imperative to prioritize social cohesion
#Epidemiology #EvolutionaryBiology #Neuroscience #Psychology #SocialPsychology #sflorg
https://www.sflorg.com/2026/03/wi03222601.html
What Is: Collective Delusion

The subconscious, rapid spread of affective states within a group, amplifying collective responses to stimuli regardless of logical justification.

Mar 22 at 8:36pmWeb
Show threadScientific Frontline1d ago
Do yourself a favor and spend the time to read, or an hour on the podcast. Especially important if you have kids.
Take a look at my research under the heading:
"Epidemiological Patterns, Triggers, and Case Studies"
You'll quickly learn how subjective kids can be—mind-boggling real incidents.
Show threadJacob Something1d ago
@sflorg I'm not sure about its temporary nature. Some religions have existed for millenia.
Show threadScientific Frontline1d ago
@jkanev
From a strict clinical and psychiatric standpoint, a belief system that lasts for millennia and is broadly shared by a society is not classified as a "delusion." The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) explicitly excludes beliefs that are accepted by a person's culture or subculture from the clinical definition of a delusion.
Show threadScientific Frontline1d ago
@jkanev
Empirically unprovable belief becomes deeply entrenched across generations and shapes civilizations, different scientific disciplines use precise terminology to describe it rather than viewing it as a mass pathology.
Show threadJacob Something1d ago
@sflorg Sure. I wasn't quite serious. — Although, whether they do more harm that good is still a matter of dispute. : )
Show threadScientific Frontline1d ago
@jkanev
I understand, and in my own opinion—religion can be more dangerous than the entire Dark Tetrad combined. Collective Delusion is an interesting subject matter, and usually temporary.
Show threadAskPippa🇨🇦1d ago
@sflorg Fascinating read!
Show threadScientific Frontline1d ago
@AskPippa
Think you Pippa, and honored you said so.
Show threadSusi1d ago
@sflorg
Is social contagion making a comeback?
Show threadScientific Frontline23h ago

@Susibryant
It has never faded, and due to social media has made a progressive swing upwards. Many get the two confused. They are similar though— whereas collective delusion is more intense and rarely based on reality.
Examples:
Social Contagion: Yawning, fashion trends, panic-buying, or the spread of laughter in a crowd.

Collective Delusion: Mass sociogenic illness (e.g., reports of phantom odors or rashes in a school), witch hunts, or panic-induced hysteria.