# 54. Group Manipulation ## 54.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 54.5.3. Deindividuation In certain heightened states of social upheaval, individuals in groups or crowds can be induced to lose their self-awareness. Theories of deindividuation propose that it is a psychological state of decreased self-evaluation and this provides an explanation for a variety of abnormal collective behaviour such as violent crowds, lynch mobs, etc. The manipulative use of de-individuation has also been attributed as explanations for acts of apparently spontaneous genocide. It has also been suggested as an explanation for abnormal antisocial behaviour in computer-internet based communications like social networks etc. Although generally considered in the context of negative behaviour such as mob violence and genocide, de-individuation has also been found to play a role in positive behaviours and experiences where team cohesion and single-mindedness is important. There are many cases in which the effects of deindividuation can be seen in real-world groups. Deindividuation occurs in varied instances like the police force, criminal and other gangs, the military, religious cults, sports teams, and social organisations. Although they may seem very different on the surface, these groups share many traits that make them conducive to deindividuation and therefore useful to the manipulator. All of these examples share a strong drive towards group cohesion. Police officers, soldiers, religious adherents and sports teams all wear uniforms that create a distinct in-group image whilst reducing the distinctive characters of a group's individual members.