Title reads 'Flash Mobs'. In half circle tab at top reads 'Tactic'. Graphic of a crowd of people.

Tactic – Flash Mobs

By Commons Librarian

Contents

Introduction

What are flash mobs? Here is a curated collection of resources about what they are, how to do a flash mob, and examples from around the world.

What are Flash Mobs?

A spontaneous, contagious, and often celebratory protest that often uses social media or word of mouth to gather people on short notice in a particular place at a particular time. – Beautiful Trouble

A group of people summoned (as by email or text message) to a designated location at a specified time to perform an indicated action before dispersing. – Merriam Webster Dictionary

Flash Mob refers to any online-coordinated event in which an ad-hoc group of participants meet up at a central location for various purposes. While certain flash mobs may convey a political or commercial message, they are usually organized for the spontaneous amusement of the participants and bewilderment of bystanders. – Know Your Meme

Cause flashmobs represent a dynamic and impactful way to raise awareness and advocate for important issues. By blending artistry with activism, these performances can capture public attention, stimulate dialogue, and inspire action. In a world where traditional forms of advocacy can sometimes fall short in reaching wider audiences, cause flashmobs offer an innovative approach to bring critical issues to the forefront, engaging communities in meaningful ways and driving social change. – Flashmobbers

Flash mobs are groups with short-term goals. Flash mobs have a very small goal with no long-term effects. There is no limit to the number of people that can be involved. Flash mobs typically gather quickly to perform a single action in unison, and then disperse just as quickly as they appeared after the action has been completed. Once the action has been done the goal has ended. – Annabelle Lee Haston

How to

Examples

Whether it’s a dancing flash mob or a pageant of political theater, a well-designed spectacle can project a clear message and change the story. – Reinsborough and Doyle