Ok, let me try ...
OP is insinuating that some people that complain on the forum are simply complaining due to other complaining, like mob mentality. While it may be true, OP has no actual proof of that.
They try to minimize conflict amongst eachother and reach a consensus that everybody dislikes ea/cg and the game, nobody should spend etc.
That's actually a strawman ... the 'complainers' target is EA, not other 'like' gamers. That's actually majority of negative posts. Granted there are a few advocating others to leave the game, etc - but a recommendation on an act is still not groupthink, you can consider it a form of protest.
Let's say there are three groups here:
1. EA/CG ... dev's, community managers, etc.
2. Gamers unhappy with current situations
3. Gamers happy with current situation.
Between groups 1 and 2 in many cases there is an actual financial contract, since there was a financial transaction going on. Having group 2 complain about group 1, even if some perceive it to be unjustified, is perfectly normal (Better business bureau, yelp / amazon reviews, etc). Also keep in mind that in many cases CG/EA support has specifically directed those seeking help to the forums.
Group 3 (which includes OP), attacking group 2, is a classic definition of groupthink - attempt to suppress dissenting viewpoint.
Also, if you believe the statements encouraging to stop spending is groupthink, what would you call - 'if you're unhappy just quit', that you just posted - how are the too different?
And by the way, 'rationale' of moderators is not necessarily known. I got a written warning when I wrote in a post 'Dooku p****** everyone off' ...
If you want to call it anything - mob mentality is probably closer - both both groups 2 and 3 are guilty of it, including you and OP.
"leef;578670" wrote:
"Lianara;578596" wrote:
"leef;578592" wrote:
"Lianara;578581" wrote:
Just because multiple people come to the same conclusion does not make it groupthink.
Groupthink is a term defining when people make excuses and forgive faults in order to belong to a group (political, religious, cultist, fraternity, gamer, etc).
In fact OP is actually a form of groupthink ...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink
please elaborate on that last fact ?
It's about making excuses as many have done by trying to attack complainers. That is what groupthink is, it's not about complaining at all. Read the wiki link defining what it is.
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Group members try to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints by actively suppressing dissenting viewpoints, and by isolating themselves from outside influences.
I can read the wiki link, i would love to see you explain why you think the OP is a example of groupthink. Simply saying "its not about complaining at all. Read the wiki link" is far from an explaination.
The group the OP was talking about is obviously the forum community. The harmony or conformity is that the rather large mayority of the forum users feel the same way. They try to minimize conflict amongst eachother and reach a consensus that everybody dislikes ea/cg and the game, nobody should spend etc. To anyone who disagrees and actually likes the game they just repeat everything that is wrong with it over and over and over. Some excuses are used alot to convince themselves they are a 100% correct in their observations and oppinions.
With a little bit of rational thinking you can easely see why the moderators remove some threads, yet some people act like its a crime against humanity that the moderators dare to remove their threads and silence them! It's allmost like they feel oppressed by ea/cg/moderators. Why would ea/cg allow people to discourage THEIR costumers to buy THEIR product, on THEIR own forum?
Doesnt it make alot more sence to just quit the game you arent enjoying anymore than feeling oppressed by something you actually choose to be a part of ? Or do they actually like the game, but just conform to the popular consensus and start activily complaining to fit in ?
i dont fully support what i wrote, but it fits "groupmind" much better than the OP.
