In online social circles, human behaviour often becomes extreme, either positively or negatively. This phenomenon is called “dogpiling”. It usually begins with a few negative reactions but gradually grows into large-scale criticism, making one person the target of attacks from all sides. On social media, someone may post an opinion and receive mixed reactions at first, but over time responses can become increasingly negative as users gang up against the person. Fear of mass criticism discourages people from expressing views on sensitive issues. Dogpiling also encourages reactions without fact-checking, increasing misinformation and highlighting the growing hostility of collective online behaviour..
