Mattias Desmet: How "Mass Formation" Weaponized Delusional Mobs With Pandemic Panic – Ask Dr. Drew

Dr. Drew
Apr 16, 2024
Mattias Desmet: How "Mass Formation" Weaponized Delusional Mobs With Pandemic Panic – Ask Dr. Drew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYbc8yPqi7g
"Mass Formation" – popularized by Mattias Desmet – is not in psychology textbooks. But we see examples of it every day as delusional mobs act like singular, hypnotized units: blindly following authority even when – to outside observers – they are obviously acting like cult members. ••「 CALL IN & LINKS: https://drdrew.com/4162024 」•• GET DESMET'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3UkjS3q ••
Mattias Desmet is widely known as the pioneer researcher of mass formation (sometimes called "Mass Delusional Psychosis") and mob mentality. His work gained prominence in 2021 when Dr. Robert Malone discussed it on The Joe Rogan Experience as an explanation for the strange actions of people during the pandemic. The episode was quickly censored by YouTube after being viewed by millions.

Mattias Desmet is professor of psychology at the University of Ghent in Belgium and author of The Psychology of Totalitarianism. Desmet is the author of over one hundred peer-reviewed academic papers. In 2018 he received the Evidence-Based Psychoanalytic Case Study Prize of the Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and in 2019 he received the Wim Trijsburg Prize of the Dutch Association of Psychotherapy. Follow him at https://x.com/desmetmattias and learn more at https://mattiasdesmet.org

「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors

• PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley

• COZY EARTH - Susan and Drew love Cozy Earth's sheets & clothing made with super-soft viscose from bamboo! Use code DREW to save up to 40% at https://drdrew.com/cozy

• TRU NIAGEN - For almost a decade, Dr. Drew has been taking a healthy-aging supplement called Tru Niagen, which uses a patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside to boost NAD levels. Use code DREW for 20% off at https://drdrew.com/truniagen

• GENUCEL - Using a proprietary base formulated by a pharmacist, Genucel has created skincare that can dramatically improve the appearance of facial redness and under-eye puffiness. Get an extra discount with promo code DREW at https://genucel.com/drew

• THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew

• PET CLUB 24/7 - Give your pet's body the natural support it deserves! No fillers. No GMOs. No preservatives. Made in the USA. Save 15% at https://drdrew.com/petclub247

「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 The CDC states that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and reduce your risk of severe illness. Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making decisions about your health.

「 AFFILIATES 」 Some of the links from this show are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission from qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

「 ABOUT the SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (

/ firstladyoflove . This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

「 ABOUT DR. DREW 」 Dr. Drew is a board-certified physician with over 35 years of national radio shows, NYT bestselling books, and countless TV shows bearing his name. He's known for Celebrity Rehab (VH1), Teen Mom OG (MTV), The Masked Singer (FOX), multiple hit podcasts, and the iconic Loveline radio show. Dr. Drew Pinsky received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and his M.D. from the University of Southern California, School of Medicine. Read more at https://drdrew.com/about