Robert Baloh, University of California, Los Angeles
Havana syndrome has spread to government officials around the world and stumped doctors for years. Despite news of mysterious attacks, evidence suggests mass psychogenic illness may be the true cause.
Greta Thunberg’s critics say the climate activist is unstable, hysterical and mentally ill. That’s because she challenges the view that the world is theirs to conquer.
Sociologists know what conditions make it more likely a mass delusion will take hold and spread through a group – whether adherence to a fashion fad or belief in a doomsday cult.
Random clown sightings don’t make everyone laugh. A psychologist who has studied creepiness explains why clowns are especially adept at making us squirm.