I’ve been fascinated by the flash mobs celebrating the life of Michael Jackson. Clearly there’s no surprise people are reacting to his death, but that flash mobs have become a de-facto public response is intriguing.

Wikipedia informs us the first flash mob was created in 2003. I am sure there are many earlier examples – the U2 video Where The Streets Have No Name, seems a possible contender. Whatever the case, they’ve really only hit the popular psyche in the last two or three years (in Britain at least).

Is it a need to feel part of something that draws people in? A sense of community? of belonging? I’m not sure, but I suspect it’s a trend that’s going to stay. And I’d love to hear your pet theories.