Originally published on 9/11/25

In recent weeks, the term ‘collective effervescence’ has gone viral on social media, with people excitedly posting videos at public events like parades, fairs, concerts and other community events, adding the term to the caption. But as with many viral trends, this is a concept that’s been around a while (for more than 100 years in this case!) and it’s well known to mental health specialists. Woman’s World recently caught up with a few of them to learn more, including what exactly collective effervescence is and how women can achieve it. Read on for more. 

What is collective effervescence?

Collective effervescence is a term coined by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, and Yaranil Ferrer, LCSW, PMH-C, a therapist at Calma Counseling, describes it as “the shared emotional activation that is experienced by a group of people engaging in a ritual or activity such as concerts, religious ceremonies or demonstrations.”

It’s that moment at, say, a  Taylor Swift concert, when you’re in one space, surrounded by other Swifties and you’re all trading bracelets, wearing themed Eras costumes, singing the same lyrics and feeling goosebumps—and an unrivaled sense of connection. 

“Whether it’s a feeling of euphoria, crying or excitement, the key is that it is a shared experience. Collective effervescence is something people experience but can’t necessarily articulate, so when it goes viral on TikTok, it makes sense that a lot of people would be interested and engaged in the topic,” she continues. “There is a sense of commonality and feeling understood when seeing that others have also experienced this seemingly unexplainable thing.” 

“For women, collective effervescence is going viral now partly because of social media. Women have greater access to one another’s stories and are realizing that what once felt like private struggles are actually widespread,” clinical psychologist Avigail Lev, PsyD, founder and director of the Bay Area Cognitive Behavioral Therapists (CBT) Center, tells Woman’s World. “For example, many women thought dating avoidant or narcissistic men was a personal issue, but online, they see that countless others share this experience. This recognition creates solidarity: What once felt like ‘my problem’ is actually a collective issue rooted in culture and society.” 

“Social media amplifies this by making trends visible: When a post resonates widely, the sheer volume of likes, shares and comments reinforces the feeling that ‘we’re in this together.’” 

How to achieve collective effervescence

According to Lev, collective effervescence “can arise through shared movements like dancing or chanting, through uniting around a common purpose or meaning or through experiencing similar emotions. This sense of synchronicity fosters feelings of interdependence, belonging and connection.” 

What’s more, she adds, “Psychologically, collective effervescence is strongest during times of uncertainty or threat. After 9/11, for example, New Yorkers reported unprecedented levels of solidarity and mutual support. Today, women tap into this same dynamic by recognizing that shared struggles—whether around rights, safety or relationships—become more bearable and powerful when faced collectively.” 

“The great thing is, you don’t have to go to a big concert, parade or religious ritual to experience it, although you certainly can,” Ferrer says. “You can experience collective effervescence by going to smaller events with groups of people who are united for a common cause or interest.” Think: a local trivia night, a high school sporting event or your book club meeting.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/mental-health/how-women-can-experience-collective-effervescence-and-build-connection