The world is getting smaller, yet humanity seems to be drifting further apart. The globalization brought about by digitalization has not united societies but rather pushed them into a complex psychological labyrinth. Today, we can learn about an event happening on the other side of the world within seconds, yet we often get lost among headlines filled with information—some true, some false. This deluge of information simultaneously weakens individuals’ connection with reality, increases societal polarization, and drives us into a collective hypnosis, a state that can be described as mass psychosis.
Some may attempt to explain the current societal mood by claiming, “it has always been like this.” However, as a journalist who actively worked from the late 1980s to the 2000s, such a pervasive and global state of mind was not present back then. There was violence, hatred, and chaos during those times as well. Yet, I did not observe an epidemic of narcissism, such widespread collective anger, or a tendency toward violence affecting every layer of society as it does today. Nowadays, people carry knives or guns in their pockets and can thoughtlessly harm others over a difference in opinion or taste.
Social media is only part of this phenomenon. On one hand, it leaves us with a constant sense of being watched, while on the other, it traps us in a cycle of dependency on likes and approval. But there is another force shaping our societal psychology: television series, movies, reality shows, and popular culture. These media contents exert such a powerful influence over our lives that individuals often disconnect from reality and strive to live in these artificial worlds.
The Impact of Reality Shows and Popular Culture
Reality shows began to dominate television screens in the 2000s, profoundly affecting societies’ perception of reality. Programs like “Big Brother” normalized the idea of a world where individuals are constantly under surveillance. In these shows, people’s lives were shaped by competition, manipulation, and deception. Audiences not only found these behaviors entertaining but also began incorporating these dynamics into their lives.
Similarly, competitions like “Survivor” emphasized rivalry and individual achievement over solidarity among people. Shows like “America’s Next Top Model” or “Idol” propagated the idea that physical appearance or popularity defined individual worth. This led to the elevation of unrealistic beauty and success standards. In striving to meet these standards, individuals became increasingly detached from their own realities.
Television series and movies similarly shaped societal moods. Shows like “Friends,” for instance, cultivated perceptions of “perfect friendships” or “fun-filled lives.” However, the relationships and lifestyles depicted in these series were often too idealized to be sustained in real life. When individuals compared their own lives to these fictional worlds, they often ended up feeling disappointed.
Another striking example is the popularization of the Joker character from the Batman series. Joker emerged as a figure symbolizing anger, loneliness, and alienation. However, the perception of this character as a “hero” fueled tendencies to reject social norms and adopt anti-social behaviors. Joker’s transformation into a symbol of freedom in popular culture triggered unhealthy role model searches, particularly among young people.
Love, Sexuality, and the Distorting Impact of Popular Culture
Media has reshaped not only perceptions of success and friendship but also understandings of love and sexuality. Love has increasingly been dramatized and reduced to a consumer-driven emotion. The “perfect couples” portrayed on social media created unrealistic expectations among individuals. As people began defining love solely through grand gestures and exaggerated emotions, they found themselves unsatisfied with their own relationships.
A deeper consequence of this shift has been the inability to distinguish sexual fantasies and fetishism from healthy sexuality. Influenced by popular culture, individuals began romanticizing obsessive or harmful relationship dynamics. This led to individual dissatisfaction and greater conflicts within relationships.
The Evolution of Generations and the Psychology of Contemporary Society
To understand mass psychosis, it is essential to examine how generations have evolved. The Silent Generation and Baby Boomers were closely tied to family and societal norms. However, digitalization and popular culture became the most powerful factors shaping individuals’ lives.
Generation X grew up during economic crises but managed to preserve their individual freedoms. Millennials were shaped by globalization and technological revolutions but were marked by a constant state of anxiety and fear of the future. Today, Generation Z and Generation Alpha grow up entirely in a digital world. Social media and popular culture have become the dominant forces in their lives. This has increased narcissistic tendencies while weakening empathy and social bonds among individuals.
Historical Reflections of Mass Psychosis: The Anatomy of Fear and Manipulation
Mass psychosis is not just a problem of modern times; societal hysteria has manifested in various forms throughout history. Humanity has always been prone to losing its connection with reality and succumbing to its fears during crises. These conditions often combined with manipulative leaders, ignorance, or a lack of scientific knowledge, leading to even greater collective chaos.
The witch hunts in Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries are a striking example of mass psychosis. During this time, crises such as plagues, famine, and war drove societies to search for scapegoats. Believing in supernatural powers, people attributed these events to “witches,” who were often innocent individuals. Manipulation of societal fears led to the persecution, torture, and execution of thousands. The dissemination of scientific knowledge and rational thought eventually ended this mass hysteria.
The Reign of Terror during the French Revolution is another manifestation of collective paranoia. Intense anger toward the monarchy and paranoia among revolutionaries caused people to view each other as enemies. What began with ideals of liberty and equality devolved into chaos, with thousands being executed as “counter-revolutionaries.” This chaos ended when authoritarian leaders’ extreme policies were rejected by the public.
In the 20th century, Nazi Germany provided one of the darkest examples of how mass psychosis could be transformed into a wave of collective hatred through propaganda. Economic crises and societal insecurities were masterfully manipulated by Hitler and his regime. The German people were incited against Jews and other minorities through propaganda. This process led to the deaths of millions and immense societal trauma. The end of the war and the collapse of the Nazi regime halted this mass psychosis, though its scars remain indelibly etched in human history.
Mass Psychosis and the Collapse of Families
One of the most devastating impacts of mass psychosis is its effect on families, the foundational structure of society. Family communication has weakened under the influence of technology and societal stress. People turn to screens instead of building connections with their families. This not only increases emotional distance but also exacerbates domestic violence and conflicts.
Parents’ economic worries and psychological burdens are passed on to their children. Growing up in an environment of insecurity and lack of affection negatively impacts children’s psychological development. The weakening of family bonds, the cornerstone of societal peace, amplifies the effects of mass psychosis.
Can Mass Psychosis Be Overcome?
The societal chaos we experience today is the product of a world order shaped not only by individuals but also by media, digitalization, and popular culture. However, overcoming mass psychosis requires conscious action by individuals and societies.
Promoting critical thinking and media literacy in education systems can make individuals more resistant to manipulation. Strengthening families and fostering meaningful relationships in real life are key to breaking this cycle.
History shows us that societal recovery can follow crises. Yet, this recovery can only be achieved through the efforts of conscious individuals and societies.
Victoria Toumit