Understanding Group Dynamics and Social Forces<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn the previous part, we looked at some of the emotions that everyone experiences. Now, we\u2019ll look at how our emotions change when we\u2019re around others, in groups, or following a leader as a part of understanding group dynamics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social force is the energy of collective emotions<\/strong>, and it affects all of us. This is an important part of understanding group dynamics. When in groups\u2014at a concert, rally, and so on\u2014we all feel the same emotions, based on what the rest of the group is feeling. This comes from a survival mechanism\u2014in older times, if one person noticed danger and felt fear, their emotion would spread throughout the group and quickly alert the others to a possible threat. If multiple people felt the same emotion, presumably there was a good reason, so the emotion legitimized as it spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSocial force also affects us when we\u2019re:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Speaking to a group.<\/strong> If the crowd supports us and we don\u2019t get stage fright, as speakers, we feed off the group\u2019s energy. We might become more animated than usual.<\/li>
- Being addressed by a charismatic leader.<\/strong> This person\u2019s energy rubs off on us.<\/li>
- Working in a group. <\/strong>When we have a collective goal, we feel more energized and work harder. We might not even have to talk to communicate.<\/li>
- Outside a group.<\/strong> When we encounter a group we\u2019re not part of we have an intense feeling of not belonging, and this can feel frightening. (We may feel this even if the group isn\u2019t antagonistic.)