Blog Post 3: Mass Delusions & Hysteria

Mass Hysteria: When Fear Spreads Faster Than Facts

Mass delusions and hysterias have shaped some of the most fascinating—and terrifying—moments in human history. Whether it's a town swept up in fear or an entire generation chasing trends without evidence, these psychological events often reveal more about societal pressure than reality. One of the most famous researchers of this phenomenon was psychologist Hadley Cantril, who studied the reaction to the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast. Millions of listeners, thinking Earth was truly under Martian attack, panicked—proving how easily fear and suggestion can override rational thought. Cantril’s analysis showed how media and ambiguity can fuel widespread delusion, especially in times of uncertainty.

Long before that, the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 painted a dark picture of how mass hysteria can lead to devastating consequences. A few young girls’ strange behavior led to a wildfire of accusations, imprisonments, and executions—all based on little more than paranoia and religious extremism. What started as fear of the unknown turned into a communal breakdown in logic, where evidence was irrelevant and confession was often the only way to survive. Historians and psychologists alike see Salem as a classic case of collective delusion fueled by stress, superstition, and a hunger for control in a chaotic world.

Even in modern times, mass psychological influence creeps into our everyday lives in less obvious ways—sometimes even through seemingly harmless trends like aromatherapy. While some scents like lavender or peppermint can be soothing, claims that essential oils can cure depression, prevent illness, or “cleanse energy” often lack solid scientific backing. Yet, people adopt these ideas in droves, not because of proof, but because of cultural momentum, marketing, and anecdotal reassurance. It’s a more subtle form of groupthink, but just as telling. 

 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mass-delusions-and-hysterias