Flash mob

A flash mob is a form of collective performance art, usually organized via the Internet, in which groups of people meet at an agreed-upon time and place and carry out some agreed-upon, attention-getting action.

Web sites that help organize flash mobs include www.flashmob.com and www.flashmob.co.uk.

Some people have explored ways of using flash mobs to make make political statements, but most flash mobbing is simply done for fun.

Examples

• In June 2003, nearly 200 people gathered in the home furnishings department at Macy's department store in New York City, each requesting a "love rug for their suburban commune."
• Later that year, another flash mob materialized on a rock in Central Park, making loud bird noises.
• In August 2003, some 40 people gathered in the middle of a city street in Berlin, took out their cell phones, shouted "Yes! Yes!" and burst into applause.

See also

• Internet activism

External links

• "Distributed Protest," Kuro5hin, August 1, 2003.