Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage :…

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage :

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for
unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently
leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social
conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority,
often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as
corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing
contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds
intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay
of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of
decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary
inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern
society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers.
Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering
out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent.
Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard
against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded
can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends,
polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and
essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the
audacity to challenge the comfortable.

Which event is cited as a real-world consequence of groupthink?