What psychological phenomenon involves a loss of individuality and increased likelihood of antisocial behavior in groups?

The psychological phenomenon that involves a loss of individuality and an increased likelihood of antisocial behavior in groups is deindividuation. This concept refers to a state where individuals in a group feel less self-aware and less accountable for their actions, often leading to behaviors that they would not typically engage in when alone or in smaller, more familiar settings.

Deindividuation often results from factors like anonymity provided by the group, arousal from the collective atmosphere, and a diffusion of responsibility. When people feel less identifiable, they may be more likely to conform to group norms, even if those norms endorse negative behaviors. This can manifest in various ways, such as aggression or reckless actions, particularly in large crowds or during events that emphasize group identity over individual characteristics.

In contrast, social facilitation refers to improved performance on tasks in the presence of others, while social loafing describes the tendency of individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone. Groupthink involves a mode of thinking where group members strive for consensus at the expense of critical thinking and individual dissent, rather than a loss of personal identity. These distinctions highlight why deindividuation specifically outlines the loss of individuality and the rise in antisocial behavior within group dynamics.