Researchers have found that if groups perform tasks in unison, such as marching, dancing and chanting, they show more loyalty towards each other and are less likely to go against the norm.
The findings, published in New Scientist, could explain why the likes of Hitler and Mussolini both seemingly had the ability to bend millions of people to their will.
Dr. Scott Wiltermuth, of Stanford University in California and colleagues, have found that activities performed in unison, such as marching or dancing, exercise a form of mind control over people.
“It makes us feel as though we’re part of a larger entity, so we see the group’s welfare as being as important as our own,” he said.
Dr .Wiltermuth’s team separated 96 people into four groups who were then asked to perform different tasks together.
February 7, 2009
Richard Alleyne is science correspondent for The Telegraph (UK).
