Collective behavior: fads vs. mass hysteria
Within a few months, a toy becomes wildly popular across the country and then quickly loses popularity. This is an example of a:
Answer A: explanation for every choice
A
Correct. A fad is a short-lived, intense enthusiasm for an object or behavior.
B
Mass hysteria is widespread, shared anxiety, often about an imagined threat.
C
A riot is a destructive crowd action.
D
A social movement is an organized, lasting effort to promote or resist social change.
TakeawayFads are brief enthusiasms. Social movements are organized and lasting.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps136.