Herd behavior refers to the tendency of individuals to conform to the behaviors or actions of a larger group, often without independent reasoning or analysis. It can be observed in both animal behavior and human social interactions, manifesting in various situations such as voting, demonstrations, and everyday decision-making. This behavior can stem from a desire for social acceptance or a belief that the group possesses superior knowledge or judgment.
During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, a large group of people acted collectively without centralized direction, leading to widespread destruction and chaos as individuals followed the actions of others around them.
To overcome herd behavior, individuals can make a conscious effort to seek out diverse perspectives, evaluate information critically, and make independent decisions rather than relying solely on what others are doing.