"The herd mentality: Why we follow the crowd: And how to think for yourself" – Part II

Groups are especially vulnerGr to manipulation, particularly under the influence of charismatic leaders who understand how to shape perception and control emotion.

- BY SENIOR PROFESSOR E. P. S. CHANDANA

These leaders often construct a shared reality using compelling narratives, repetition, and emotionally charged symbols. In George Orwell's 1984, for instance, the ruling Party maintains control through relentless propaganda and the symbolic power of Big Brother—an omnipresent figure who demands loyalty not just through surveillance, but through emotional submission. Leaders may also exploit collective fears—whether of outsiders, instability, or change—to forge unity and suppress dissent. These fears are carefully cultivated, repeated, and amplified until they become internationalised creating a psychological environment where obedience feels like safety, and independent thought becomes an act of rebellion. In such systems, emotional manipulation is not temporary—it becomes a tool for long-term control, shaping not just what people do, but what they believe and who they think they are. History offers stark examples, such as Hitler’s use of fear and nationalism to mobilise Germany in the 1930s. One common strategy is to define a common enemy, focusing group emotions like anger and fear outward, which not only strengthens internal cohesion but also justifies extreme actions. This tactic is visible in both political demagoguery and cult behaviour, where loyalty is maintained by keeping followers emotionally charged and constantly vigilant against a perceived threat.

This manipulation can be positive when used to inspire or protect, but often it serves the personal ambitions of the leader. Political leaders, religious figures, or even influencers may invent or exaggerate threats to maintain group cohesion and suppress dissent.

The Resistance to Change and the Safety of Tradition