Ants exhibit a collective behavior known as an “ant mill” or “Death Spiral,” where a subset of ants get separated and start following each other in a continuously rotating circle, leading to exhaustion and death. This phenomenon reflects dysfunctional behavior that can also be seen in failing companies experiencing decline. Researchers suggest a similar process may happen at the societal level during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Overreactions in policy-making can worsen existing societal problems, fueling inequalities and escalating into authoritarianism. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of societal decline is crucial for reversing the “Death Spiral” and building a thriving society.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1194597/full