When Group Ego Becomes Dangerous

People often think of narcissism as a solo trait, but groups can suffer from it too. This happens when members demand constant external validation and insist their group is superior to all others.

Collective narcissism occurs when individuals inflate their group identity to mask deep insecurities about their status. These groups become hypersensitive to criticism and often demand unwavering loyalty from their members. Because their self-worth is tied entirely to the group, any perceived slight feels like a personal attack. This mindset frequently fuels hostility toward outsiders and creates rigid, us-versus-them social bubbles.