Theory of Social Influence

The theory of social influence states that behavior is intentionally or unintentionally influenced by others. By understanding social influence, you might be able to ignore peer pressure and manipulation.

Conformity

The need to belong causes individuals to conform. Certain groups have particular rules that have to be followed in order to remain in the group.

Compliance

There are cases when individuals are influenced through coercion. For instance, many individuals pay taxes for fear of fines and imprisonment.

Authority

In society, individuals such as teachers and law enforcement personnel are seen as authority. Part of conformity involves obeying authority figures.

Experiments

Stanly Milgram conducted experiments in which people were required to give electric shocks to people if they gave the wrong answer to a series of questions. Participants continued to give electric shocks for bad answers even when the answerer was near death as long as an authority figure was present. Of course, no real electric shocks were given, and those supposedly receiving the electric shocks were actors.

Warning

Social influence can be dangerous and can cause individuals to do things that are not moral, as described in the experiments above. Be aware of how you can potentially be socially influenced.

References

• Social Influence
• Stanley Milgram