Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili
During my childhood, there was a common saying, “Zaina Kadalch Thook” , “Talla,” and another referring to the ,”40 lakh behaviours ,”of an average Kashmiri a slandering comment of the 60’s done by a politician in power . Today, explaining this herd mentality bias to tech-savvy children is challenging. In an era of digital connectivity and global awareness, they struggle to understand how the average Kashmiri, shaped by a long history of social and political complexities, could be swayed so easily by mass sentiment. The notion of blindly following others without critical thought seems foreign to their worldview, shaped by the endless flow of information and individualism promoted by the modern world. In this essay we intend to find the remedial answers for the intriguing question, then, is: when is enough, enough?
Critical thinking and ethical decision-making are essential in making better decisions. Critical thinking involves gathering and analysing information to make informed choices, while ethical decision-making uses principles and frameworks to address ethical issues. Reflecting on past decisions helps identify patterns, learn from mistakes, and improve decision-making. Ultimately, incorporating both critical thinking and ethical reasoning can lead to more effective and ethical decision-making processes.
What is a herd mentality Bias?
The concept of “herd mentality” refers to people adopting certain behaviour’s, actions, and opinions simply because others do. It involves the natural human inclination to conform, often without critical thinking or questioning, driven by fear of isolation or rejection. In the context of Kashmir, this tendency has shaped many social, political, and cultural dynamics, business entrepreneurships often to the detriment of individuality, progress, and rational decision-making. In behavioural finance, the phenomenon of herd mentality refers to the tendency of investors to follow and copy the actions of other investors. Most of them are influenced by emotion and instinct rather than their independent analysis. This article provides examples of how investors tend to fall into herds as part of behavioural finance theory.
Cultural Conformity and Societal Pressures
Kashmiris, like people anywhere, are deeply influenced by their social environment. Traditional values, cultural practices, heterogenic religious beliefs and community norms have a strong hold on the region, and while these can foster unity and identity, they often lead to unchallenged conformity. In many aspects of life — from religious rituals, education choices, business investments, career choices and political allegiances to extravagant marriages — people tend to follow what the majority is doing, regardless of personal belief, futuristic opportunities or financial ability.
Behavioural economics identifies four key categories of decision errors and biases: self-deception, heuristic simplification, emotional influence, and societal impact. Self-deception refers to learning limitations, while heuristic simplification involves errors in processing information. Emotional influence examines how feelings affect our decisions. Societal impact focuses on herd mentality, illustrating how others can sway our choices. For instance, when selecting a hotel in new city , people often prefer a one with environmental ambience , assuming it offers better food, services and housekeeping facilities demonstrating how decision-making can be driven by the perceptions of others rather than objective assessments
Another striking example of herd mentality is seen in Kashmir’s lavish weddings, where people spend excessive amounts of money simply because “everyone else does.” The social pressure to throw a grand event overshadows personal preferences or financial limitations, often leading families into debt. Despite widespread recognition of this problem, few have dared to break away from the trend for fear of societal judgment.
In such cases, “enough” must come when the pressures of conformity outweigh practicality, societal norms , conveniences, comfortability and financial security. The community must recognize that blindly following such traditions harms individuals and the larger society, making it crucial to set new norms and promote simplicity.
Political and Religious Affiliations- Chose Your Affiliations and Friends Wisely
Socio religious affiliations and Politics in Kashmir is another domain where herd mentality thrives. Based on personal preferences and interest rather than their principled stand on truth you always find such reflections in such alignment and affiliation.Deep political divisions and loyalties often lead people to align themselves with specific political ideologies without fully understanding their implications. Whether it’s allegiance to political parties or a religious school, the tendency to adopt the views of the majority often sidelines reasoned discourse.
This herd mentality stifles intellectual debate and critical thinking, as people become unwilling to challenge the status quo or raise legitimate questions about their mentors, leaders and the futuristic visions and missions. When affiliations and allegiances are driven solely by what is popular and opportunistic approaches rather than what is just or rational, it becomes essential for the community to realize that enough is enough. Critical thinking, open dialogue, Traditionally Kashmiri society remains deeply spiritual, there is a risk of slipping into blind adherence to certain practices without understanding their meaning. At times, religious interpretations are followed without question, and there is a reluctance to ask critical questions about faith and practice. Herd mentality can be dangerous in this space, as it opens the door to misinformation, and division within communities. The need for well-informed religious leadership and evidence-based education is key to breaking this cycle.
Economic Decisions and the Business Sector
In the economic sphere, herd mentality manifests in the tendency of people to follow the latest business or career trend without assessing its long-term viability. For instance, in certain periods, you may find a surge in people opening businesses or choosing careers ranging from Carpets ,English medium schools, Diagnostic centres and X rated star hotels etc because “everyone is doing it.” The result is often oversaturation of certain industries or professions, leading to higher competition and lower profitability. A critical point is reached when the economic landscape becomes crowded with uniformity, and opportunities for innovation are stifled. At this juncture, people must acknowledge that conforming to what seems trendy without a proper evaluation of market needs or individual passion is not the path to success. Enough is enough when collective thinking discourages entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal fulfilment.
Social Media and Misinformation
The role of social media in amplifying herd mentality in Kashmir cannot be overlooked. With the rise of social platforms, misinformation spreads quickly, and people often jump to conclusions based on what is trending, rather than seeking the truth. This is particularly harmful in times of conflict or crisis, where emotional responses can escalate tension, and misinformation can lead to significant social discord. Social media’s “echo chambers” strengthen herd behaviour, as people surround themselves with like-minded individuals, reinforcing their views and limiting exposure to alternative perspectives. This creates a dangerous cycle where individuals no longer question their beliefs or seek out diverse viewpoints. In this digital age, enough is enough when social media dominates public discourse, leading to misinformation, division, and false narratives. Kashmiris need to cultivate a culture of critical thinking and responsible information consumption.
Herd Mentality in Education
Education is yet another area where herd mentality is pervasive in Kashmir. Many students follow certain educational streams or career paths, not out of genuine interest, but because of societal expectations or because it’s considered “safe.” This has led to an imbalance in the educational system, with a surplus of students in particular fields, such as medicine or engineering, business management while other disciplines remain neglected. This trend hinders individual potential and prevents young people from exploring diverse fields that may better align with their passions and talents. The education sector in Kashmir must recognize the detrimental effects of this mindset and encourage more freedom of choice, creativity, and exploration. Enough is enough when education becomes a conveyor belt of uniformity, limiting growth and innovation.
When Does Change Become Necessary?
Change is necessary when herd mentality leads to societal stagnation, wasted resources, and lost potential. While it’s natural for communities to have shared values and practices, it’s equally important for individuals to retain their ability to think independently, make informed decisions, and question harmful traditions or trends.
Futuristic professional careerships, business entrepreneurship, socio-cultural adaptations lie not in blind adherence to the status quo but in fostering a culture of independent thought, creativity, and rational decision-making. This will require a collective acknowledgment that enough is enough when conformity becomes a burden rather than a bond, when traditions cause harm rather than harmony, and when following the crowd hinders rather than helps personal and societal growth.
The Path Forward
To counteract herd mentality, a few key steps are necessary:
Encouraging Critical Thinking: Schools and universities need to emphasize critical thinking skills and encourage students to question, analyze, and explore diverse perspectives.
Challenging Social Norms: Community leaders and influencers must promote alternative viewpoints and practices, showing that it’s okay to deviate from the norm, especially when tradition conflicts with practicality.
Promoting Individuality: Parents and educators should foster an environment where young people feel free to pursue their unique talents and interests, even if these deviate from conventional paths.
Responsible Media Consumption: Individuals should be educated on how to consume media responsibly, verify information, and think critically before following popular narratives.
Supporting Innovation: The business community, professionals seeking futuristic careers must encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, moving away from copycat industries or oversaturated markets, or professional careers..
Herd mentality has a strong hold in Kashmir, but it’s not insurmountable. Change begins when individuals realize the value of thinking for themselves and making decisions based on reason, not just conformity. Enough is enough when the costs of following the herd outweigh the benefits, and it’s time for Kashmiris to chart their own, more thoughtful, course.
The author is an expert in Helathcare policy analysis and reforms , active in positive perception management of various moral, social and religious issues and reforms.. He can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter)
