What is a common outcome of de-individuation in a large group setting?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

De-individuation refers to a psychological state that can occur in large groups, where individuals lose their sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility. This phenomenon can lead to behavior that aligns more closely with group norms rather than individual morals or values. In a large group setting, the anonymity provided by the crowd can lead to a decrease in self-consciousness, causing individuals to act in a manner that is more aligned with the prevailing attitudes and behaviors of the group.

This greater conformity to group norms can manifest in various ways, such as increased likelihood of participating in behaviors that might be considered risky, aggressive, or even unethical, depending on the group's characteristics. The overarching influence of the crowd can overwhelm personal standards and lead to actions that would not typically be taken by the individual alone. Thus, conformity is not merely about following group behavior but reflects a significant shift in personal identity and moral considerations under the conditions of de-individuation.

In contrast, increased self-awareness, enhanced accountability, or heightened ethical behavior generally represent the opposite outcomes of de-individuation and are less likely to occur in large group scenarios where the psychological mechanisms of de-individuation are at play.