Is That a Hive Mind, or are You Just Happy to See Me...

I keep seeing these people, all recognizing each other. Something is passing between them all, some secret. It is a conspiracy, I know it

Hive mentality, also known as groupthink, is when people have a strong tendency to conform to group decision-making. This mentality can lead to feelings of invulnerability and moral superiority within the group, potentially causing individuals to lose their free will and become controlled by external influences. But is the concept of a Hive Mind merely fictional?

This phenomenon has been explored in various cultural contexts, most famously for me is in the classic sci-fi film The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This film features alien plant spores that duplicate and replace humans, creating a collective consciousness. This film captures the fear and intrigue surrounding the loss of individual identity to a hive mind.

Do you ever feel like you might be a part of a hive mind mentality? Maybe the feeling comes from subconscious influences that we're not always aware of.

Let me give you an example from my own life. Recently, I've been focusing more on my health and wellbeing, which includes not drinking alcohol. Having worked in restaurants for most of my life until a few years ago, I've noticed a shift in the industry that I hadn't seen before. Mocktail menus and non-alcoholic (NA) options are now more prevalent than ever. Sure, there were always a few token options like O'Douls, but now there's a real variety available.

This shift got me thinking: Is this change driven by a genuine increase in health consciousness, or is it another example of hive mentality? In this case, it feels like the hive mentality is for the better. There's a wave of ideas that people are making their lives better with alternative choices. Whether it's adopting healthier habits, being more mindful of mental wellbeing, or making more sustainable choices, these collective movements can lead to significant positive impacts on society.

Or maybe this is the THC talking… I have been partaking in a little of that during my 'no drinking era'. In 2023, Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana for use by adults.

We often think of hive mentality as something negative, a loss of individuality. But sometimes, it can propel us toward collective improvements that might be harder to achieve alone. It's an interesting balance between individual choice and group influence, and it's something worth pondering as we navigate our personal and social lives.