Blog 7: CATW Practice 2

     Whether if they’re alone or in a group, individuals think and act their differently than they do on their own. In the article, “Individualism in Groups,” written by Carol Tavris, the writer explains how an individual acts in a group or alone. People react slower to danger when they are in groups than they do individually due to the nature they’re in. The scientific form, “diffusion of responsibility,” where people think the lazier they can become only because they’re in a group, explains how each individual in that group feel there is no need to take action towards something. I agree with the statement, “They think and act differently than they would on their own,” simply because it’s true.

     I’ve once seen in a Lifetime movie that a girl only tortured another girl because she had her group of friends with her. She thought and acted differently whenever she was on her own. When “the bully” is alone, she is nice and quiet, but the moment her clique comes around her she is a complete different person. Even at home she is sort of nice. She only felt superior whenever she had her group of friends to back up her every word.

     I too think and act differently in or out of groups. Another example of mine is when I am at a party. Depending on the group of people I am with, and my feelings s well, I sometimes hold back and choose not to dance. Even if I’m alone I’ll decide whether or not if I really want to dance. It’s always good to show that you’re having a good time, but it’s hard to have a good time partying without your group of friends.

     Relating to the experiment, “diffusion of responsibility,” most guys around my way who travel in groups handle situations very differently in or out of groups. For instance, if there was a car accident the boys in groups would stand around and watch the scene, but it would take an individual to take action and try to help. Also, if one of the boys in the group was alone then he would’ve most likely helped. This relates to the article because it shows how different individuals think and react to most things and how lazy they become when they’re in groups.