You must have heard about the game Werewolves. It is a fascinating game introduced by a young Russian sociology student in 1986. The game is also referred to as ‘Mafia’.
It also resembles the elite politicians, individuals, and organizations who have maintained their influence over the masses using their strategies, hidden knowledge, and agendas.
Introduced by a young sociology student named Dmitry Davydov, at Moscow State University, the game Werewolves (also known as Mafia) quickly gained popularity across the world.
In the game, players are divided into two groups, the informed minority (the mafia and Werewolves) and the uninformed majority (the villagers). The goal of the game for the werewolves is to kill villagers. While the villagers try to identify and kill the werewolves.
What’s the Game?
In the game, players sit in a circle, and each person is given a role secretly. The roles include Werewolf or Villager. The game starts at night, everyone closes their eyes and choose someone to eliminate. After the night, everyone opens their eyes. The person chosen by the Werewolves is now killed. The remaining players discuss who they think the Werewolves are and vote to eliminate someone amongst themselves.
The game alternates between night and day. Werewolves try to blend in and trick the villagers into figuring out who the Werewolves are. The game ends when either all the Werewolves are eliminated (Villagers win) or the number of Werewolves is equal to the number of villagers (Werewolves win)
Tactics Used by Werewolves
The Werewolves used several hidden tactics to deceive and eliminate the villagers. By trying to act like ordinary villagers, participating in discussions, and voting, they successfully diverted attention from themselves.
These tactics helped them to stay hidden and gradually eliminate the villagers, making the game a thrilling and challenging experience for all players.
Similarly, the informed minority uses their hidden knowledge and instincts to win the battle and manipulate the masses (the uninformed majority). They pay close attention to how other players are reacting and pretend dearly to gain their trust. This way they avoid drawing attention to themselves and let others (Villagers) get targeted.
Such an instance takes place in the real world too, where people (the uninformed majority) are often tricked and manipulated by the elite class (the informed minority). From fake Political campaigns run by politicians to online scams, these scandals are common in today’s fast-paced world.
The online scams can affect anyone, regardless of one’s age, demographic, education and experience. The scam can take place in any form, whether from online shopping or other social media platforms.
According to the Federal Trade Commission of India, over 2.8 million fraud cases have been reported in the year 2021 i.e. approximately 5.3 cases have been reported every minute. While the previous year’s statistics reported over 2.6 million cases have been reported in 2023.
Over Decades, the tobacco companies withheld vital information about the harmful effects of smoking. The uninformed and misled public continued to consume such products. However, despite the public awareness, their influence and lobbying efforts delayed regulations for many years.
In another instance, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-1972) involved the US Public Health Service deceiving Black men into joining a study about syphilis (Sexually Transmitted Infection), withholding treatment even after a cure was available. However, this unethical experiment exploited the participants and took advantage of men’s limited understanding and access to healthcare. This caused harm to their community.
Why Werewolves Usually win?
Group think is the phenomenon in which the members of a group prioritize harmony and consensus instead expressing their different viewpoints. people often want to fit in and often avoid being left out for their decision, which derives group think. As these things work subconsciously, it becomes hard to avoid. This results in people not thinking for themselves and making poor decisions for themselves.
Groupthink often overlooks the vital information, leading to disastrous consequences. The game usually relies on players who are using limited information and gut feeling to find the werewolves, which causes panic or group think. In the game, even a simple cough can make someone seem like a werewolf. Similarly, in the real world, differences, fear, uncertainty and social pressure can cause people to be labeled and excluded.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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