After a group of gang members learned that their friend had died in a seemingly random accident, several of the friends started blaming a rival gang for the death. Even though there was no evidence whatsoever that the death had been intentional, the more the friends talked, the more passionate they became in their belief that an act of revenge was necessary. What concept from social psychology may contribute to an act of violent revenge in this case?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Groupthink is a concept in social psychology where a group of individuals prioritize group harmony and conformity over critical thinking and making rational decisions. In this case, the friends' desire for revenge was fueled by their shared grief and the need to show loyalty to their gang, leading them to ignore any evidence or logic that contradicted their beliefs. This is a classic example of groupthink leading to violent behavior.

After a Group of Gang Members Learned That Their Friend