Do people really behave differently in a crowd?

Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour.

But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture.

From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one.

Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, Can music inspire mania?

Guest:

Associate Professor Milad Haghani
Principal Fellow in Urban Resilience & Mobility
University of Melbourne

Credits: 
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Roi Huberman

More info:

How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 1. Decision making of individuals

How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 2. Physical movement of individuals

How behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowds

Contemporary understanding of riots: Classical crowd psychology, ideology and the social identity approach

The role of social identity processes in mass emergency behaviour: An integrative review

English riots 2011: new research shows why crowd behaviour isn't contagious

How to stay safe in a New Year's Eve crowd