Biju Dharmapalan
Despite the constant risk of stampedes, millions of people annually voluntarily swarm into overcrowded areas, enduring bone-chilling temperatures, restless nights, and other hardships. From the throngs of cricket fans outside Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium to the millions upon millions at the Kumbh Mela, people always opt to congregate in such large numbers that personal safety takes a back seat. For some reason, we keep making this illogical decision.
An examination of our evolutionary blueprint reveals the solution. Our predecessors relied only on group cohesiveness for hundreds of millions of years to survive. Only those who were able to negotiate tribal alliances and social stratification successfully were able to procreate. Our brain architecture is hardwired to be naturally drawn to others with similar interests and experiences; this is our “congregational instinct.”
The Brain’s Reward System for Togetherness
Something extraordinary occurs on a neurological level when people congregate in large groups. Our systems experience a surge of the bonding hormone oxytocin, and mirror neurones activate in reaction to the enthusiasm of others. Both dopamine and endorphins are neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and even addictive states of euphoria. Witnessing a cricket hero hit a six among thousands of fellow fans is incredibly different from watching alone on a screen, and this neurochemical cocktail explains why.
The “collective effervescence” that attendees of religious festivals describe as a “transcendental experience” was first described by psychologist Émile Durkheim. Joining a group does more than just make us feel good; it strengthens our positive connections to the point where they trump rational risk evaluation. The intensity of these reactions increases as the crowd size increases.
Identity and Belonging in Numbers
Crowds function as potent manifestations of collective identity. Henri Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory elucidates that our self-concept is somewhat shaped by the organisations to which we belong. Mass meetings offer unique opportunity to articulate and strengthen these identities. Attending a religious festival or lining the streets to view sports champions reinforces connections to community, faith, or nation.
Religious assemblies amplify this function. Engaging in the Kumbh Mela transcends individual spiritual practice; it is an immersion in an ancient tradition that links people to millions throughout history and geography. The act of congregating with fellow believers fosters a profound sense of connection that cannot be duplicated in smaller environments.
The Digital Paradox
Paradoxically, our hyper-connected digital era has rendered physical assemblies increasingly enticing. Social media generates anticipation and prolongs experiences beyond the events, although it cannot emulate the sensory depth and emotional intensity of physical presence. As our digital connectivity increases, so does our desire for genuine shared physical experiences.
Live broadcasting and social media platforms generate feedback loops that enhance perceived significance. When millions engage in posting, sharing, and discussing events, physical presence is imperative. The fear of missing out intensifies when events occur in real-time and are extensively disseminated online.
The Safety Paradox
While substantial gatherings can present genuine physical risks, they frequently provide a sense of psychological security. This originates from the principles of evolutionary programming, where being part of a group offered safety from predators and various dangers. Even in contemporary times, people within groups express a sense of reduced anxiety and heightened confidence compared to when they are by themselves, even in the face of objectively greater risks.
This intriguing psychological phenomenon sheds light on the reasons individuals persist in participating in large events, even following widely reported tragedies. The advantages related to emotions and social interactions appear to be more immediate and assured compared to the statistical dangers of accidents or injuries. Human cognition struggles to balance infrequent, severe dangers with the allure of immediate, concrete benefits.
The COVID-19 Awakening
The pandemic served as an unprecedented opportunity to observe the effects of enforced solitude. The imposition of social distancing measures affected a wide array of activities, from religious celebrations to athletic competitions, resulting in what specialists have described as a state of “social starvation”-a deep yearning for connection and communal experiences. Digital venues fall short of capturing the immersive experience that face-to-face meetings provide.
The resurgence of crowd events following the pandemic signifies a psychological rebound-a determined effort to reclaim the community connections that were lost. The pandemic served as a poignant reminder of the delicate nature of existence, while also reigniting our desire for communal experiences.
Understanding Our Fundamental Drive
As urban areas expand and personal lives become increasingly solitary, our desire for shared experiences only deepens. Instead of pondering the reasons behind individuals taking such risks, our attention should shift towards ensuring that vital human experiences are as secure as possible while maintaining their ability to transform lives.
The tendency to assemble in large groups, even in the face of danger, is not a shortcoming of human nature; rather, it is a characteristic that has contributed to the survival and success of our species throughout history. These gatherings embody the essence of humanity, showcasing both vulnerability and grandeur: a heartfelt quest for connection in a world that often feels isolating, and a courageous willingness to face risks for the invaluable experience of genuine togetherness. The evidence is unmistakable: we come together because connection meets essential needs-belonging, identity, emotion, meaning-that we are prepared to invest nearly any amount to achieve.
(The author is the Dean -Academic Affairs, Garden City University, Bangalore)
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