​​What is the mob mentality? The mob mentality is deindividualization, losing a sense of self and becoming part of a larger entity. ​​​​Tamara Avant, a psychology director at South University of Savannah, when describing the mob mentality uses the example of a concert and concert-goers. Imagine you are the sole attendee at a rock concert. Being the only person there, you are not likely to sing, dance and headbang wildly. Alone, this kind of action feels silly and out of place. However, if you were at the same concert with hundreds of other headbangers, you would find yourself unashamedly joining others in the electricity of motion and celebration. How about at a local play? If you were the only audience member, you'd probably be much more docile and tame in your expression of enjoyment. Clapping in an empty room would feel strange to most. But with others around, the laughter and applause becomes the accepted norm. This gravitation towards the whole is easily depicted in sporting events as well. Not often does one sing "Olé, Olé, Olé!" when watching a soccer match on television, but this practice is commonplace at a live match. This is the mob mentality; the loss of individuality and shame, the diffusion of responsibility. Pressed by the desire to conform and encouraged by anonymity, people are highly susceptible to joining and partaking in the mob. Numbers are safe, and safer still when an outsider can't identify which number you are. This is the hidden and innate appeal of the mob. However, manifestation of the mob-mentality during concerts and sporting events are not the concern; rather, they are but innocuous examples of the mob-mentality, which give us a basis for understanding the ghastly gore, the crazed violence and riots in the name of God and Country that, to our fear and disconcertion, we've grown used to reading about in publications and newspapers.