Why are people so mean in groups?

[Anonymous]

Both on social media and in real life? They appear way nicer in one-on-one chats or dms but the moment there is a group, literally everybody turns into a dick. They project the personality they think will make them seem the most attractive / cool / funny to the others in the group. Being mean, mocking someone they perceive as an easy target in front of the group, those are easy methods for people to accomplish that goal in their minds.

[BoobSlayer]

People can be mean in groups for a variety of reasons. One common reason is group dynamics, specifically something called "group polarization" which refers to the tendency for people to become more extreme in their beliefs and attitudes when they are part of a group. When people are in a group, they may feel more confident expressing their opinions, even if they are negative or hurtful.

Another reason is the phenomenon of "diffusion of responsibility", which means that people in a group may feel less personally responsible for their actions and may be more likely to engage in harmful or aggressive behavior.

Additionally, people can also be mean in groups due to social identity, when people feel more likely to act in ways that align with the group's identity or norms, even if that means being mean.

[Guy13]

Not had that experience. What groups in person

[In_Trance]

Because they feel they can be. Their shielded from personal attack by the presence of others

[misogynistic_pig]

Its called intrasexual competition.

[Mamasanma]

They feel powerful