[17strings]

Not singling you out, bagster, except that you reminded me of a question that’s been in the back of my mind. Specifically, what’s the difference between “hive mind” and “group think”?

From what I’ve ascertained over my years of following, the people on these threads (if I’m not mistaken) seem to adopt a “hive mind good, group think bad” approach. But on certain other forums, I’ve seen the two terms used interchangeably,

Eager to read some insights on this.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Hive mind: De-centralized. intuitive, innate
Group think: Centralized, directed, learned.

[LittleLinda]

I like to think of it as the same as the difference between bees and the Borg (Star Trek NG). Bees work together but individually for the good of the hive. They follow nature and adapt to their environment.

The Borg kidnap and assimilate other species in order to exist and then program the assimilated units to be part of “the collective” so they can control and dominate others. Everything they do is by force and resistance is futile.

[bagster]

Specifically, what’s the difference between “hive mind” and “group think”?

Excellent question, and since I really didn't know or didn't even even think to ask myself, I looked it up.

hive mind

a notional entity consisting of a large number of people who share their knowledge or opinions with one another, regarded as producing either uncritical conformity or collective intelligence.

"he has become one of those celebrities whose online presence has made him a favorite of the internet hive mind"

(in science fiction) a unified consciousness or intelligence formed by a number of alien individuals, the resulting consciousness typically exerting control over its constituent members.

"there is a Borg Queen who controls the hive mind"

Groupthink

is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.