ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
Saturday 24th May 2025
Explore modern crowd science and debunk myths about irrational behaviour in crowds with expert insights from Milad Haghani.
31 minutes
Informative
Educational
Engaging
Supportive
Hopeful
About this podcast
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ABC Radio
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Crowd Control: Myth vs Reality
Episode Overview
- Crowds often act rationally in emergencies, contrary to historical beliefs.
- Shared social identity can lead to cooperation in crowds.
- Understanding crowd dynamics is crucial for safety management.
- Authorities' approach can influence crowd behaviour.
- Individual vigilance plays a significant role in crowd safety.
"People not only did not act selfishly and irrationally, rather they made conscious decisions to help and assist other individuals."
Crowds have always been painted with the brush of irrationality and panic, but is this really the case? In this intriguing episode of "All In The Mind", host Sana Qadar takes a deep dive into crowd behaviour, challenging long-standing assumptions and exploring modern theories. Joined by Associate Professor Milad Haghani from the University of Melbourne, the conversation navigates through historical events like the Hillsborough disaster and the London bombings, examining how crowd psychology has evolved.
Gustave Le Bon's century-old theories suggested that crowds inherently lead to chaos, but recent studies indicate that people often act rationally and cooperatively in emergencies. The episode explores how a shared social identity within crowds can lead to cooperation rather than chaos. Haghani shares fascinating insights from his research, including how strategic communication and understanding crowd dynamics can prevent disasters.
The discussion touches on real-world examples, from religious gatherings to New Year's Eve celebrations, highlighting the importance of both individual and collective vigilance. Listeners will gain practical advice on staying safe in crowded situations, with tips on reading the room and adapting navigation strategies. It's a refreshing look at how crowds can be allies rather than adversaries in times of crisis.
If you're curious about what truly drives crowd behaviour and how modern psychology can offer solutions, this episode offers valuable perspectives. So, next time you find yourself in a sea of people, remember – it's not just about survival, it's about understanding and adapting. Are crowds as unpredictable as we've been led to believe? Dive into this episode to find out.