Scientific Frontline1d ago
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.

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 Frontline
@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.
Mar 22 at 8:52pmWeb
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.