The fear of groups of people is often called "enochlophobia," a specific phobia involving intense anxiety or fear when faced with a large crowd or group. While it shares some characteristics with social anxiety, the two differ in that social anxiety revolves around fears of individual interactions and judgments, whereas enochlophobia is related to the overwhelming nature of crowds. It stems from concerns about personal safety, fear of being unnoticed or trapped, or past traumatic experiences in crowds.