Crowd Psychology: An Overview

Originally published on AjitDaundkar.org

Mob Mentality

When thinking about the idea of ‘mob mentality,’ one likely conjures up images of people rioting and taking part in generally negative activity, or a peaceful gathering that suddenly turns violent and chaotic. The idea behind mob mentality is that a person is incapable of using their own personal, rational thought. Instead, they are driven by the influence of the crowd, which can lead to the same violent or erratic behavior in the event of a riot or protest.

This school of thought was quite popular in the 1960s, where there were a few indications of gatherings swiftly turning into riots. Crowd Psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with exploring the state of the human mind when it is in existence with a large group of people. The findings now have, thus far, lead psychologists and researchers to quite a different viewpoint than those suggested in the 1960s.

Examining Emergency Situations

While psychologists do agree that venues like a sports arena tend to place its occupants into a state of aggressive frenzy that might turn to a riot that encompasses the entire crowd, they also think this is a rare event. By and large, those within the crowd are fully capable of making decisions for themselves and going against what the crowd might otherwise suggest. This was primarily examined and believed due to how the people who survived the terrorist attacks on 9/11 responded to this tragic situation.

The definition of mob mentality proposed in the 1960s would have everyone believe that the survivors would be crazed; that their desperate fight for survival would have put others in harm’s way and the violence would have only escalated. That was not examined during the events that took place on September 11th, 2001. In fact, people were helping each other escape the collapsing buildings and any areas at risk.

This is a behavior commonly seen throughout emergency situations. Some people even risk their lives to save others. While mob mentality may be telling everyone to run from the dangerous situation, the personal thought is maintained to find safety, certainly, but not to impede the chances of everyone else’s survival as well.

Clearly, more research is required. Crowd psychology will continue to be explored, expanded, and examined, and more information will certainly be released that may include even more surprising findings.

Paris Travel

Originally published on AjitDaundkar.net

The famous French city is renowned for art, cuisine, and romance. The local history is fascinating and is apparent everywhere from the architecture to the World Heritage sites. Boutique and department stores offer an abundance of shopping opportunities. However, there are quite a few attractions visitors must make a point of visiting.

The Louvre Museum

The museum is known for having one of the most diverse and extensive collections of items on the planet. Exhibits include everything from furnishings and décor to recognizable paintings and sculptures. Many visit the museum to gaze upon the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. The many galleries also feature the works created by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer and other masters.

Musée d’Orsay

After exploring the Louvre, the museum of modern art stands just a quick walk across the bridge. The facility houses one of the most extensive collections of impressionist and post-impressionist works. The galleries on each of the three floors boast the creations of such familiar artists that include Degas, Delacroix, Gauguin, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The famous cathedral itself is another magnificent example of Parisian art. The Gothic structure required more than a century before completion and areas date back to the 12th century. The exterior features iconic spires and towers. On the inside, guests stare in amazement at the spectacular stained glass and statues. Scale the north tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Eiffel Tower

It is hard to believe when Gustave Eiffel first introduced the iron tower in 1889 that it was met with much disapproval. Since that time, more than 200 million guests make a point of visiting the renowned landmark. By night, a light show emanates against the black sky. Glass-floored observation platforms beckon visitors to look over the famous city.

Arc de Triomphe

Napoleon had the 164-foot tall structure constructed to demonstrate his military prowess and triumph. The spectacular reliefs and sculptures around the exterior of the monument commemorate the emperor’s officers and soldiers. The majestic landmark is a popular stop when venturing to or from the equally famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

Seine River Tours

Different local companies offer tours along the river by boat. The boat rides take place day and night. However, many prefer to see the magnificent city by night while the lights shimmer on the water. Board a boat by the Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame Cathedral. Venture off the beaten path by taking a tour down some of the canals or other waterways.

The Psychology of Advertising

Originally published on AjitDaundkar.org

Successful advertisers are well aware of the importance of connecting with their audiences in order to see success. To do that, the psychology of their intended audience must be taken into consideration. What is attractive to your clients? What do you want them to feel upon seeing your ad? Drawing them to your business requires relation to some to some degree, and a psychological approach is one of the most effective ways to do just that.

We_Can_Do_It-232x300 Advertising has come an extremely long way in terms of capacity. According to USC Dornsife, ads have increased from about 500 a day back in the 1970s to roughly 5,000 today, with over 5 trillion being displayed online. What shouldn’t come as a surprise is how much more effective ads were that appealed to human emotion as opposed to those that didn’t. Triggering an emotional response from your audience is far more likely to influence individuals the purchase your goods or services rather than simply promoting a lower cost.

Humans are typically empathetic by nature. Thus, applying empathy to your advertisements will help people feel closer to your brand, whether that means displaying a happy family, children, or animals. The ad is responded to best when both empathetic and creative, as well. If you’re able to develop an imaginative commercial, online ad, or promotion, those exposed to it will see your brand as triumphant in comparison to competitors. Incorporating humor, music, or a clever story line can evoke a positive response from a viewer.

A few examples of effective advertising campaigns that appealed to human emotion include Dove’s “Real Beauty” commercials, Nike’s “Just Do It,” and Coca Cola’s “Share a Ecommerce_sales-300x158 Coke.”

Dove was able to create a sense of empowerment among women and reassure them that unrealistic standards of beauty were nothing to idolize. This promoted emotional responses via compassion and happiness among their audience.
Nike effectively included all types of athletes across the board through their “Just Do It” campaign, which was first launched in 1988. Originally intended for just marathon runners, Nike shoes quickly became iconic in the sports world by having every athlete feel a connection towards them.
Coca Cola has been a household name for decades, which may actually make appealing to newer audiences more challenging. However, in 2011, the corporate giant was able to draw in even more business by appealing to individuals. Their “Share a Coke” campaign included custom cans with 150 most popular names that year, making it both an attractive advertisement, and a game in which people searched for their names.

Successful ads compel their audiences to buy or use their goods or services. Psychologically appealing to one’s emotions is almost a surefire way to do that. This type of marketing helps companies build their brand and better connect with growing audiences, thus resulting in added revenue.

Managing Anxiety and Preserving Your Mental Health

Originally posted on AjitDaundkar.org

Chronic anxiety can be an extremely debilitating issue the prevents those suffering from doing the things they love and living a fulfilling life. In extreme cases, many individuals may under panic attacks, resulting in a sudden feeling of acute anxiety that may cause shortness of breath, sweating, and increased heart rate. Being able to effectively manage these feelings is an essential part of preserving one’s mental health, which can be easier said than done.

The first step in managing anxiety is fully understanding what it is. From a scientific standpoint, it can be defined as a biological response to a threat, whether that threat is real or nonexistent. Anxiety can be broken down into two types as well, those being acute and chronic anxiety.

Acute anxiety: A response that may remind you to be cautious in a given situation. For example, when riding a bike, you know to always be on the alert for cars that may be passing by. It’s often seen as a natural body alarm essential for survival.
Chronic anxiety: As the name suggests, a chronic feeling of anxiousness at any given time, regardless of whether or not you are in a dangerous situation. This is often adopted at an early age due to any number of stressors, like anxious parenting or being taught to fear many things in life.

Managing your anxiety will take some practice, but it can and should be done for an overall improved quality of life. Vitamins and supplements are always an option pending any allergies to medication, but vitamin B6 specifically can increase the production of serotonin in the body; a neurotransmitter that can help regulate mood, social behavior, appetite, and sleep. A more holistic approach might include meditation or deep breathing exercises.

While telling someone to “just relax” has the opposite effect more often than not, physically relaxing can be incredibly helpful. Progressive muscle relaxation (or PMR) is a great method that involves flexing then releasing each muscle group in your body. Give yourself 30-second periods of rest in between each group. This results in both physical tiredness and a mental distraction for a solid 3-5 minutes, putting your mind at ease.

Clear your mind with any hobby or activity you might be interested in. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in addition to boosting endorphins. Painting is another calming hobby that can force you to focus on on the work itself and fill your mind with vivid colors and imagination. Whatever hobby may suit you best, if the end results is an increased feeling of happiness, indulge.

At the end of the day, it’s important to tell yourself that anxiety is just that, and not something that can physically harm you. You will be okay, and you will get through such negative feelings. Utilize any of the strategies mentioned above, or come up with your own so that you may start to live a mentally clear and happy life sooner than later.

The Benefits of Experiencing New Cultures

Originally published on AjitDaundkar.net

Traveling the world and visiting unfamiliar territories immerses you in a variety of cultures you may have never experienced before. While this can come with a few challenges (i.e. language barriers or difficulty finding transportation), facing these small difficulties head on forces you to delve into the local culture and learn more about the world as a whole.

“Cultural immersion,” as it is commonly known as, is defined by surrounding yourself with the culture of the country, city, or town you are currently visiting. The ways one can go about immersing themselves in this culture can vary greatly. From simply visiting a local restaurant, to spending days on end with a residential family, travelers looking to learn the most have a plethora of options, and with these options come mutual benefits.

Learning is Preserving

Indigenous cultures in countries all over the world are facing atrophy in our increasingly technological world. By visiting areas in which indigenous cultures continue to thrive, visitors are able to learn their ways and educate others upon their return home. Conversely, locals are able to celebrate their cultures with these new individuals and teach them their beliefs, values, and passions, allowing these newcomers to understand the joy of sharing something you love. Learning and understanding more cultures translates to significance within the lives of those that have experienced them.

Form Relationships

Interactions between tourists and locals can form meaningful connections. It can be fairly intimidating trying to meet and interact with locals, however, especially for those who don’t speak the language. Look for ways to bond with strangers through other means of communication, which doesn’t have to be limited to just language. For example, learning how to cook local dishes, performing with street musicians, and dancing are all great ways to envelop yourself in a new culture.

Volunteering and contributing to charitable efforts in the country you are visiting is another great way to show empathy and form lasting relationships as well. Simply cleaning up litter along streets, planting trees, or teaching children displays care to a community in which you don’t even live, which often translates to sincere gratitude from locals.

Discover the Arts

Diverse cultures come with incredibly diverse forms of art. From music, to painting, to culinary arts, travelers and newcomers to any country can learn a lot about the land through forms of entertainment and celebration. In order to experience the most authentic art forms possible, you’ll have to truly indulge yourself in the local culture. Visit small, back-alley restaurants for a true taste of the respective country. Check out local pottery shops, blacksmiths, or sculpting studios to see how even the most common household objects are made. Constantly seeing things through a different lens in life allows us to truly appreciate the array of cultures this world has to offer.