15. Group Polarization
Group polarization happens when discussions among like-minded individuals push everyone’s views to greater extremes. What starts as moderate opinions can quickly become radical, especially when group members reinforce each other’s beliefs. This dynamic increases the likelihood of risky or harmful actions, as members feel justified in their intensified stance. As Britannica explains, group polarization can transform ordinary gatherings into breeding grounds for radical behavior and collective acts that individuals might have never considered alone.