User:Bradyngenello/Social influence

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Social impact theory[edit]

Main article: Social impact theory

Social impact theory was developed by Bibb Latané in 1981. This theory proposes that individuals can be "the source or targets of social influence" (Evans, 2023) Social impact theory asserts that there are three factors which increase a person's likelihood to respond to social influence:

• Strength: The importance of the influencing group to the individual. This can be derived from different factors such as, personal relevance to an individual. A group that is seen in higher or more powerful position, will have a stronger social impact.
• Immediacy: Physical (and temporal) proximity of the influencing group to the individual at the time of the influence attempt. This refers to actual physical proximity or emotional closeness. A group that is physically emotionally or nearby to an individual will have a larger social influence.
• Number: The number of people in the group. The smaller the group the less influential but the larger the group the more influential.

Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure is another form of social influence that occurs when someone is influenced by those around them. Peer Pressure influence can have a positive or negative effect on us. It is most commonly associated with adolescents, but still can affect all ages.

Avoid Social Influence

If you don't want to be caught by social influence here are some ways to avoid it. First off, take the time to consider your options. Don't just mindlessly agree or disagree with something because someone said so, think about your options, do research and come up with your own thoughts. Second, make an effort for form your own ideas. Instead of saying, "I'll have what there having", create your own opinion with your own choices. Last, don't be afraid to be different. If you stick with the social norm and want to be just like everyone else, then your more likely to fall into social influence. If your not afraid to stand out and be different your less likely to follow other peoples standards and ideas.

Examples

Laughing because everyone else is - If you don't understand a joke but still laugh because everyone is, this is social influence because your laughing to feel a part of the group.

Taking part of Social Media Trends - Joining in and taking part of social media trends just because everyone else is doing it.

Buying a product after watching a commercial - With watching the commercial and you go out and buy the product, this is social influence because the commercial is successful.

College major based off friends - If you pick your college major because of your friends, that is social influence.

Buying popular brands - If you buy popular brands such as clothing or sneakers because your friends or just because it's popular is social influence.

References

chris.drew.98031506. (2023, October 1). 25 social influence examples. Helpful Professor. https://helpfulprofessor.com/social-influence-examples/

74 examples of social influence. Simplicable. (n.d.). https://simplicable.com/en/social-influence

By, Guy-Evans, O., on, U., & 20, S. (2023, September 20). Social Impact Theory in Psychology. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-impact-theory.html

Morin, A. (2021, December 10). Study shows the power of social influence: 5 ways to avoid the herd mentality. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/07/25/study-shows-the-power-of-social-influence-5-ways-to-avoid-the-herd-mentality/?sh=55dfb5af6e4e