This paper is most likely from a student, as it does not mention a title of professor, so I will need to use this for its sources and as a launching point for other ideas.
The paper begins with a description of the Macy's flash mob, the first real flash mob, and how quickly it spread from New York to the entire world, basically the birth of the flash mob. The paper then goes on to discuss how it will not be an analysis of the use of technology, but the meeting of technology and physical space. Then there is some of the social movements that came before the flash mob, such as Dadaism (the art world equivalent?), the Situationist Movement, the Spassguerilla in Germany, and Yippies. Flash mobs, according to the paper, are basically in cities, and the activites can range extremely. Then, the types of flash mobs are defined:
Atomized Flash Mob- Put into motion by electronic means, and people do not interact with one another and disperse quickly.
Interactive Flash Mob- A group of people interact in a public space that tends to disrupt the space's typical use, but is not illegal in its actions. They tend to make an 'urban playground' and are not choreographed.
Performance Flash Mob- Bring the art into the streets, and tend to be organized and have a lead member or members who plan the flash mob and the word is spread for participation.
Political Flash Mob- These have a political purpose, such as the one in the Phillipines.
Advertising Flash Mob- Started by a company as a way to promote a product.
The paper then analyzes how technology is not the only aspect of flash mobs, as not all flash mobs are successful. The most successful flash mobs have an "organizational backing." The 'best' is attributed to the 2008 Grand Central flash mob freezing in place (look up and watch). The need for physical proximity is also emphasized, as people who are hours away will not be able to assemble in a quick fashion. Youtube is emphasized for the spreading of popularity of flash mobs (I need access in school to look these up...). The entertainment aspect is also brought up. However, the downside that is the mess that flash mobs can leave in their wake is also brought up in that it wastes public resources (to make a flash mob that would not be harmful to society, I would have to make sure it would not leave a mess), and they tend to have no purpose besides the entertainment value. They are also tied to freedom of socialability, but in Asia and Eastern Europe tend to be more political.