2 Ways To Benefit From Our 'Collective Consciousness'
Want to know the secret to meaningful social change? It lies in the interconnectedness of our 'collective consciousness.'
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | November 01, 2024
The enigmatic nature of human consciousness has captivated philosophers and scholars for centuries. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and Émile Durkheim, a pioneering French sociologist, both recognized that consciousness is not just an individual experience but something much larger—a shared awareness that connects us all.
At its core, the "collective consciousness" refers to the shared set of beliefs, values and norms that shape how individuals think and behave within a society. Durkheim described it as the glue that holds societies together and believed that we could maintain cohesion and solidarity through this shared consciousness.
Here are two reasons why tapping into the collective consciousness could be the key to meaningful social change.
1. It Gives Us The Power To Positively Influence Each Other
In the modern digital age, our collective consciousness is palpable on social media. These platforms foster an online collective identity, creating spaces where ideas spread rapidly, for better or for worse.
For instance, a 2018 report published in Science found that false information spreads faster than the truth on platforms like X, largely due to emotional reactions driven by "fear, disgust and surprise" in replies that increase virality. This demonstrates how collective beliefs, whether based on fact or fiction, shape individual and group behavior in profound ways.
One mechanism through which collective consciousness is reinforced is social contagion—the spread of behaviors, emotions or ideas through a social network, where individuals influence one another, leading to similar actions or beliefs within the group. In fact, a 2012 study suggests that behaviors surrounding obesity, smoking, cooperation and even happiness can spread through social networks.
This influence can be used for good. Movements like Greta Thunberg's climate campaign illustrate how collective consciousness can inspire global action. Thunberg's message, amplified through social media, resonated with millions, creating a collective identity centered on fighting climate change.
Her image as a determined teenager in a situation beyond her years stirred feelings of collective empathy, triggering a sense of shared pain and urgency. This was not just about policy, science and the rational concern around climate change—it was a symbolic confrontation with the collective responsibility we hold toward future generations and each other today.
Thunberg's vulnerability, combined with her resolve, represented both the fragility and the strength of our planet, and likely held up a mirror to the inner child within all of us who feels helpless in the face of overwhelming challenges. This inspired a global response that went beyond intellectual agreement and stirred a deep, visceral connection to the cause.
2. It Reminds Us Of Our Collective Responsibilities
Human beings are hardwired for empathy, cooperation and connection. Research on "mirror neurons" reveals that our brains naturally respond to the emotions and actions of others, allowing us to feel what others may feel and act in unison. This biological design helps foster a sense of shared responsibility that can drive social change.
Additionally, a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology explains that collective consciousness is "baked into the architecture of the human mind," shaping trust and cooperation across diverse groups.
Numerous studies on altruism show that societies thrive when people cooperate toward common goals. For instance, a 2020 study shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, collective efforts to promote public health—like mask-wearing and social distancing—demonstrated how shared belief in collective responsibility leads to societal benefits.
As individuals, we often underestimate our profound influence on shaping the world around us. Collective consciousness reminds us that every belief, thought and action contributes to the broader societal narrative.
We hold the power to plant seeds of positive belief—whether it's progress, unity or hope—and by sharing that belief, we can reshape the collective consciousness. Over time, this ripple effect can steer society away from fear and conflict, toward cooperation and growth. Ultimately, the key to saving each other lies in remembering that our shared humanity is our biggest strength.
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A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.