A Study of Flash Mobs in the United States: What Shapes Human Collective Behavior in the Digital Age?

C. P. Wang, C. Bennett, D. Akella, and K. C. Chan

Abstract:

Many forms and theories regarding human collective behaviors have been developed in the lastcentury.Yet, these theories may not be adequate to explain today’s human collective behaviors in the Digital Age. Societies worldwide are witnessing more and more unexpected collective behaviors such as flash mobs than a decade ago.Therefore, understanding what isshaping human collective behaviorsin the 21st century would giveinsight into a variety ofcurrent,important societalphenomena and issues in the Digital Age.

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