Why Do People Get Stressed Out by Crowds?

Crowds feel stressful because they fill our brain with too much information all at once. Imagine trying to watch a movie while someone talks right in your ear, it feels overwhelming! Your body thinks you're in danger and tries to help you survive by making you feel anxious or nervous.

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Examples

At school drop-off time, your brain feels like it's in a traffic jam with all the other kids and parents.
Going to the mall during holiday sales feels like you're being pushed by invisible hands.
Trying to read a book at a noisy cafeteria makes your brain feel like it’s playing catch with hundreds of people.

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Categories: Psychology · stress· crowd psychology· anxiety· social behavior· neuroscience