If you’ve come across them, you might think that their behavior might seem inexplicable — but is it? A “smart mob” is defined as “a group of strangers organized by electronic media, who gather in a public space, behave in a pre-determined manner for pre-determined amount of time, and quickly disperse.” They come together for all kinds of reasons, from those inspired by politics or artistic creativity to a simple desire for ridiculousness.
A smart mob could be classified as group performance art or a public prank, but its collaborative nature makes it a unique social gathering that encourages positive interaction, often between perfect strangers. Spark watched as a San Francisco’s FlockSmart came together in 2003 via cell phone and instant messaging to spread a little holiday cheer in Union Square — in July.
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