Definition:
“Safety in numbers” is a belief that individuals are less likely to be harmed or face danger when they are part of a larger group. This principle is often based on the idea that being in a group provides protection, deters predators or threats, and enhances the ability to respond to dangers effectively.
Etymology:
The phrase “safety in numbers” stems from the straightforward idea that “numbers” (large groups of individuals) provide “safety” (protection and security). This concept has been observed in nature and human behavior for centuries.
Herd Mentality:
Most people fear being singled out and ridiculed for being the only one who was wrong. Very few feel the same fear if the entire herd they belong to is ridiculed or accused of being wrong, as they can excuse themselves by saying, “everyone else around was also wrong.” Hence the saying “safety in numbers.”
But in the big picture “safety in numbers” is actually an illusion.
Krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans, exhibit herd mentality behavior by forming large swarms. By gathering in large swarms, krill can appear larger to potential predators, which might deter smaller predatory creatures that are intimidated by the sheer number of individuals. The dense aggregation of krill can confuse predators, making it difficult for them to single out and target individual krill. This collective behavior can provide some level of protection to the individuals within the swarm. When a swarm is attacked, only a few individuals are likely to be eaten, while the majority of the swarm can escape. This strategy, known as the dilution effect, reduces the per capita risk of predation.
While swarming can protect against smaller predators, it can also make krill more visible to larger predators, such as whales. Whales can detect the large swarms more easily and use filter-feeding techniques to consume vast quantities of krill at once. Whales, such as blue whales, are known to target these dense swarms. They take advantage of the high concentration of krill to maximize their food intake with minimal effort, opening their mouths wide and filtering thousands of krill in a single gulp.
The “running of the bulls” is a classic example of herd mentality among humans, demonstrating both the perceived safety in numbers and the reality of individual risk. Participants often believe that running in a large group reduces their personal risk. The idea is that with so many people around, the chances of being singled out by a bull are lower. Seeing many others participate can create a sense of normalcy and safety, encouraging more individuals to join in despite the inherent dangers. Actually, the crowd can sometimes hinder escape routes, making it difficult for individuals to evade charging bulls. Bulls are unpredictable and can charge in any direction. Despite the crowd, individuals can easily be caught and injured. The notion of safety in numbers is often contradicted by the actual events. Each year, several participants are injured, and occasionally, there are fatalities. The presence of a large crowd does not eliminate personal risk. Over the years, the San Fermín festival in Pamplona has seen numerous injuries and fatalities during the running of the bulls. Despite the risks, thousands continue to participate each year. According to reports, an average of 50 to 100 people are injured annually during the event, with injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe gorings.
Let’s not forget to mention that running of the bulls also reflects herd mentality in the way participants and spectators treat the bulls. This event involves a series of behaviors that can be harmful to the animals, driven by collective norms and traditions. The event is deeply rooted in cultural tradition, and many participants engage in it without questioning the ethical implications of involving bulls in such a dangerous and stressful activity.
The concept of “safety in numbers” is an illusion, particularly in the context of modern threats such as terrorism. Large crowds can become attractive targets for terrorists because they offer the potential for maximum impact and casualties. Events such as concerts, sports events, and public celebrations draw large numbers of people, making them prime targets for those looking to inflict harm. In the event of an attack, large crowds can quickly descend into chaos and panic, leading to stampedes and additional injuries. The confusion can hinder effective emergency response and evacuation efforts.
Conspiracy theorists constantly spread the idea that the elite is performing a military tactic on the population called “divide and conquer,” by instilling the idea that people are different because of identity labels such as gender, race, age, ethnicity, religion, and political views. While it is accurate that these ideas spark a lot of fighting between people, promoting the opposite—that we are all one—is also a military tactic called “gather and eliminate,” which is not mainstream in the conspiracy theorist community.
Divide and conquer is a strategy that involves breaking down a larger problem into smaller, more manageable parts, solving each part independently, and then combining the solutions to solve the original problem. Gather and eliminate is a strategy that involves bringing together all elements, identifying the undesired or harmful components, and systematically removing them.
The Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 during an Ariana Grande concert, the 2015 Paris attacks which included the Bataclan concert hall, and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing are stark reminders of how large gatherings can be targeted.
Religion:
While the specific phrase “safety in numbers” may not appear in religious texts, the concept is often implied:
In the Bible, in Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verses 9-12 (NIV), it says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In the Quran, in Surah Al-Imran 3:103 (Sahih International), it says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”