mass panic

Mass panic occurs when a large group of people suddenly experience intense fear or anxiety, often triggered by a perceived threat or danger. This collective response can lead to chaotic behavior, such as rushing, shouting, or abandoning rational thinking. It spreads quickly through social and psychological factors like rumors or shared emotions, amplifying the sense of threat. While usually triggered by real fears, the resulting reactions can cause accidents or harm, even if the original danger is minimal or nonexistent. Essentially, mass panic is an overwhelming, collective emotional reaction that causes irrational behavior among many people simultaneously.