project 3

The film "Contagion" explores the issue of the spread of misinformation during a pandemic. Collective behavior, which refers to how people react in uncertain situations, plays a role in this spread of misinformation. The lack of reliable information leads to panic and the spread of conspiracy theories. Two sociologists, Dr. Sandra Miles and Dr. John Kim, have differing views on collective behavior during pandemics. Dr. Miles argues that fear promotes misinformation, while Dr. Kim believes that collective behavior can lead to positive outcomes. Both perspectives offer valuable insights into the complex issue of misinformation during crises. Understanding collective behavior can help us better respond to future crises. The 2011 found contagion, the spread of misinformation around the deadly virus, is a major social issue explored. This issue can be explained through a sociological concept of collective behavior. Collective behavior refers to spontaneous unstructured behavior of groups in response to uncertain or ambiguous situations. When people lack adequate information to understand a further situation, it can lead to irrational rumors, panic, and deviant behavior. This is precisely what happens in contagion. When the mysterious virus first appears, both government agencies and the general public lack reliable information about how dangerous it is or how it spreads. This knowledge gap allows misinformation to proliferate rapidly on the internet and social media. For example, the film depicts how false information and conspiracy theories cultivate and sow panic, making the containment of the fictional MEV-1 virus even more difficult. Many people engage in rumor mongering and the spread of conspiracy theories about the origin of the virus. This spread of information is a form of collective behavior fueled by panic and uncertainty. According to Turner, collective behavior appears through processes like contagion, rumor transmission, and social contagion. Convergence occurs when crowds of people spontaneously gather in response to ambiguous threats, as seen during the riots over the vaccine lottery and contagion. Rumor transmission refers to how unverified claims spread rapidly between individuals and through mass media, as with conspiracy theories in the film. Social contagion describes how emotions and behaviors can spread rapidly between members of a group, like the mass panic that takes hold globally in the film. These social concepts help explain how misinformation symbolizes social disruption around the virus. In addition, the film illustrates how conspiracy theories often spread during times of crisis as a way for people to make sense of chaotic events and find answers, even if those answers are not based in facts. The characters in the film engage in panic-driven behavior like rumor spreading as a way to find answers and make sense of events, even without credible information. To further understand the social misinformation of contagion, application of classical strain theory, and contemporary social constructivism offers added insight. Classical strain theory, same as how social structures pressure individuals to achieve socially accepted goals, yet limit access to the means to reach these goals. This pressure and limitations can lead to deviant behavior as individuals turn to illegitimate means, such as spreading false information due to fear and uncertainty during a crisis. In sum, the major issue of misinformation and contagion can be better understood through the lens of collective behavior, classical strain theory, contemporary social constructivism, the social perspective shed light on misinformation spreads in times of crisis, and the impact it has on public panic and social disruption. Understanding these dynamics can help authorities and the public better prepare for response thoroughly, thoughtfully, and effectively in future crisis situations. Now let's take a peek at the opposing perspectives on collective behavior. In the 2011 film, Contagion depicts the rapid spread of the virus across the globe and how it creates chaos, misinformation, and people panic. This can be examined through the sociological lens of collective behavior. Collective behavior, as a reminder, refers to how people react and act in crowds, group situations, often in response to uncertain or ambiguous events. Two sociology researchers offer differing perspectives on collective behavior and misinformation during a crisis like pandemic. In an article in the American Journal of Sociology, Dr. Sandra Miles argues that collective behavior feels the spread of misinformation during a pandemic when people feel uncertain and afraid. They are more likely to behave and believe and share unverified information, especially if it provides an explanation of a sound blame. This collective panic promotes conspiracy theories and false cures hampering public health efforts. Miles uses case studies from past pandemics to show how collective fear enables misinformation to spread rapidly before the truth was known. However, Dr. John Kim, writing for Social Forces, has an opposing view. He argues that collective behavior can have positive impact during pandemics. Kim states that a shared sense of threat often brings communities together, leading people to cooperate, support each other, and take action for collective good. While panic can spread information, Kim says it can also motivate governments, companies, and individuals to respond quickly to protect society. He provides examples of how past pandemics lead to improved public health infrastructure and long-term community resilience. These two sociologists both agree on whether collective behavior is a pandemic. Pandemic mainly enables misinformation to promote social solidarity. Their constraining perspectives provide insight into complex issues. Explaining key terms like collective behavior can help non-specialists understand how sociologists analyze phenomena like misinformation through a theological framework. More research is needed to decide if human reactions to pandemics lead to more harm or health overall. We can use sociology to analyze the scenario, specifically the concept of collective behavior, shedding light on how misinformation erupts during crisis. A call to collective behavior refers to how people react together in uncertain situations. Two sociologists, Dr. Sandra Miles and Dr. John Kim, offer different texts on collective behavior during pandemics. Dr. Miles argues that collective fear promotes misinformation. The fear of people who leave and share uncertain and proven claims like conspiracy theories are big cures. Past pandemics show how collective panic enables policies to spread rapidly. In contrast, Dr. Kim says collective behavior can also have benefits. Shared danger makes communities stand together. This cooperation helps people take constructive action for the common good while fear spreads information and also spurs quicker responses from governments and citizens. These views disagree on whether collective behavior mainly spreads misinformation or promotes solidarity during pandemics. Both offer useful perspectives on the complex issues. Terms like collective behavior help everyday folks understand how sociologists analyze phenomena through theories. More research could reveal if human reactions to pandemics cause more problems or progress overall. The takeaways sociology gives us tools to impact the social side of pandemics. Collective behavior shows how groups' reactions shape events like misinformation outbreaks. Understanding these dynamics helps us respond better when crises appear. Even scary movies like Contagion provide insight to how societies function and disrupt. By learning from sociology, we can face uncertainty thoughtfully and passionately.