Mastodawn

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.

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Susi 1d ago

@sflorg
Is social contagion making a comeback?

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Scientific Frontline

@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.