In response to the deadly Walmart stampede that took place on Black Friday, psychologists report that rampaging and mob mentality are contagious when large groups of people gather together.The New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
Quotes
"There's an energy that builds up. People stimulate each other to keep going. And it's contagious."&mdashDr. Candida FrankThe New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
According to Walmart employee, Kimberly Cribbs, throngs of angry people protested, "“I’ve been on line since yesterday morning,” after the store told shoppers that they had to leave after an employee was killed during the rush through the front door.New York Times: Walmart Employee Trampled to Death (November 29, 2008)
"[T]he dopamines - which stimulate the pleasure parts [of the brain] - are harried to such an extent that all people are thinking about is what to grab."—Dr. Estyne Del Rio-DiazThe New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
"The day can be extremely stressful and frightening, not only for employees themselves, but for the business owners in a "make or break" situation for sales during the holiday season."The Signpost: WSU Students Join Mob (November 28, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Black Friday considered one of the busiest shopping days of the yearThe Signpost: WSU Students Join Mob (November 28, 2008)
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Fact:
People lose control of their ability to make rational decisions when in large groupsThe New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
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Fact:
Rage may be the result of fear over economyThe New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
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Fact:
One employee was killed on November 28, 2008, at a New York Walmart storeNew York Times: Walmart Employee Trampled to Death (November 29, 2008)
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Fact:
Psychologists say people only focus on the sale and what to grab next during Black Friday shoppingThe New York Post: Rampaging Contagious (November 29, 2008)
