The Power of Conformity: How Groups Influence Our Thoughts and Behaviors

👥Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to fit in with a group.

🔄Conformity can be influenced by social pressure and the desire to fit in, as well as the belief that the group has more information or is correct.

🌐Conformity can lead to groupthink, where the desire for consensus discourages critical thinking and leads to flawed decision-making.

🔀Conformity can also result in group polarization, where group discussion shifts individuals to more extreme positions than their initial opinions.

🙈Groups can lead to deindividuation, causing individuals to feel less personally responsible and exhibit uninhibited behavior.

Why do people conform?

—People conform for various reasons, including the desire to fit in with a group, the belief that the group has more information or is correct, and the fear of social rejection or consequences.

What is groupthink?

—Groupthink is a phenomenon where the pressure to conform to the group consensus discourages critical thinking, hinders information sharing, and leads to flawed decision-making.

How does conformity lead to group polarization?

—Conformity can lead to group polarization, where group discussion shifts individuals to more extreme positions than their initial opinions. This occurs as individuals seek validation and differentiation within the group.

What is social loafing?

—Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals put forth less effort in a group setting than they would when working alone. It happens because individuals feel less personally responsible for the group's outcome.

How does deindividuation occur in a group?

—Deindividuation occurs in a group when individuals feel a loss of self-awareness, leading to a reduction in personal accountability and increased uninhibited behavior.

00:00Conformity is a type of social influence where individuals change their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to fit in with a group.

01:32In the Asch conformity experiments, participants conformed to the group consensus even when it was obviously incorrect.

03:35Milgram's shock experiment revealed that many people will follow orders from an authority figure, even if it involves harming others.

04:58Groupthink can discourage critical thinking and lead to flawed decision-making, while group polarization can shift individuals to more extreme positions.

05:59Groups can also enhance enjoyment and performance, as seen in social facilitation when individuals perform better in front of an audience.