In the 1980s, a phenomenon known as the Satanic Panic swept across the United States. This moral panic falsely claimed that playing the popular tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons could lead to Satanism, suicide, and other dangerous behaviors. The Satanic Panic serves as a chilling reminder of the perils of groupthink, where collective beliefs and irrational fears can lead to widespread misinformation and unjust consequences. In this post, we delve into the dangers of groupthink and explore how the Satanic Panic serves as a poignant example of its destructive power.
What is Groupthink?
Groupthink refers to a psychological phenomenon where a group of individuals conform to a prevailing belief or opinion. This often leads to faulty decision-making and the suppression of dissenting voices. In an environment of groupthink, critical thinking and objective analysis take a backseat, paving the way for irrational and harmful outcomes.
This can occur in teams, businesses, large organizations and as we’ll see below, entire countries.
The D&D Satanic Panic
During the 1980s, concerns emerged that Dungeons & Dragons, a fantasy role-playing game, was causing moral corruption. There was a belief that it was leading players toward Satanism and occult practices. While unfounded, this panic was fueled by sensationalist media coverage, unsubstantiated anecdotes, and the collective fear of parents and religious groups. The resulting moral panic wrongly demonized a harmless game and its players. Of course, this lead to social ostracism, legal challenges, and damaging consequences for many individuals.
One example is the sad case of Patricia Pulling who, blamed the suicide of her son on Dungeons & Dragons. She formed Bothered About Dungeons and Dragons (B.A.D.D), leading a moral crusade with global reach. Her materials were distributed as far as Australia. Alarmingly, Patricia also assisted local police forces in gaming-related lawsuits.
Of course, today D&D is experiencing huge growth in popularity. It seems ludicrous to modern eyes that such persecution was allowed to occur. However, it highlights the real risk of groupthink dynamics.
Groupthink Dynamics at Play
The D&D Satanic Panic exemplifies the dangerous dynamics of groupthink. Several factors contributed to the escalation of fear and the adoption of unfounded beliefs:
- Confirmation Bias: Once the idea of D&D as a gateway to evil gained momentum, people selectively sought out and believed information that confirmed their preconceived notions. Counterevidence or rational arguments are dismissed or ignored, reinforcing the prevailing narrative.
- Illusion of Invulnerability: As the panic spread, those who oppose the narrative faced backlash and ridicule. This created an illusion of invulnerability among the proponents of the panic, discouraging critical examination and reinforcing their beliefs.
- Pressure to Conform: Social pressure plays a significant role in perpetuating panic. Individuals who express doubts or question the claims face isolation or social rejection. This pressure to conform suppressed dissent and stifled alternative perspectives.
- Outgroup Stereotypes: The panic created a clear division between “us” (the morally righteous) and “them” (the alleged Satanists). As a result, this dichotomy further solidified group cohesion and fueled irrational fears, making it harder to challenge the prevailing narrative.
Consequences and Lessons Learned
The D&D Satanic Panic had profound consequences for those caught in its grip. Innocent gamers were subjected to unwarranted suspicion, ostracism, and even legal battles. Unfortunately, lives were disrupted, reputations tarnished, and a harmless form of entertainment unjustly vilified.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of groupthink and the importance of critical thinking. It highlights the need for individuals to question prevailing beliefs, seek diverse perspectives, and rely on evidence-based information before forming judgments or taking action.
Final Thoughts
The D&D Satanic Panic of the 1980s stands as a chilling testament to the perils of groupthink. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unquestioned beliefs, the suppression of dissent, and the potential harm caused by irrational fears. By understanding the dynamics of groupthink and promoting critical thinking, we can guard against such phenomena. Instead, foster a more inclusive society, and prevent the repetition of history’s misguided panics.
As leaders it is our job to ensure that groupthink doesn’t worm its way into our organizations. Firstly, question everything and avoid jumping to conclusions too quickly. Secondly, if outlandish claims are being made, check their validity and data. Making decisions based on fact, not emotion will go a long way to preventing groupthink and it’s potentially harmful outcomes.