All In The Mind
All In The Mind
ABC listen
Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
31 minutes Posted May 24, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
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Show notes
Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour.
But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture.
From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one.
Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, Can music inspire mania?
Guest:
Associate Professor Milad Haghani
Principal Fellow in Urban Resilience & Mobility
University of Melbourne
Credits: 
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Roi Huberman
More info:
How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 1. Decision making of individuals
How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 2. Physical movement of individuals
How behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowds
Contemporary understanding of riots: Classical crowd psychology, ideology and the social identity approach
The role of social identity processes in mass emergency behaviour: An integrative review
English riots 2011: new research shows why crowd behaviour isn't contagious
How to stay safe in a New Year's Eve crowd