Human beings are influenced by what is popular because social interaction, conformity, and groupthink contribute to what is considered popular. Individuals are influenced directly by the collective perception of groups, and the desire for inclusion (Lansu and Cillessen, 2012). Social interaction plays a critical role in popularity because it is the process causing us to act and react to everything around us. Herbert Blumer (1969-79) provided insight on human social interactions, and suggested that “human beings interpret or ‘define’ each other’s actions instead of merely reaction to each other’s actions” (Schaffer, 2017, pp. 99). The concept of social interaction helps explain processes by which groups operate. Groups share similar norms, values,
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During my past two semesters at my university, I have taken a majority of my classes with my friend Christine, and we would always talk about fashion and trends. She exposed me to the various popular styles of shoes in 2016-17, and eventually, I decided that I wanted a pair of Adidas UltraBoosts. Oddly enough, the shoes have changed my view on shoes in general. I like the shoes more than when I was first introduced to them because I find them both stylish and comfortable. Furthermore, I am very interested in shoes general and continue to follow all different types of shoe trends …show more content…
Groupthink is a form of social control and pressure to conform. Current research, as discussed by Clive Thompson, demonstrates the dynamics of groupthink. Thompson describes a series of experiments conducted by Watts and Salganik with a total of 12,900 participants. The experiment consisted of 48 songs, which varied in ratings. The participants were instructed to rank the songs, and Watts and Salganik found that “new listeners dutifully took their social cues from the bogus popularity rankings — they ranked the fake-high ones high” and rated the “fake-low ones” low (Watts and Salganik, 2006). The findings of Watts and Salganik, as well as Thompson’s article, definitely impact my future decisions about what I like and purchase. I am usually impulsive with my purchases and tend to follow trends, depending on reviews; however, after learning more about groupthink, conformity, and social interactions, I will consider my purchases more carefully. I will consider long term outcomes for my purchase rather than going along with what everyone else currently encouraging others to
During my past two semesters at my university, I have taken a majority of my classes with my friend Christine, and we would always talk about fashion and trends. She exposed me to the various popular styles of shoes in 2016-17, and eventually, I decided that I wanted a pair of Adidas UltraBoosts. Oddly enough, the shoes have changed my view on shoes in general. I like the shoes more than when I was first introduced to them because I find them both stylish and comfortable. Furthermore, I am very interested in shoes general and continue to follow all different types of shoe trends …show more content…
Groupthink is a form of social control and pressure to conform. Current research, as discussed by Clive Thompson, demonstrates the dynamics of groupthink. Thompson describes a series of experiments conducted by Watts and Salganik with a total of 12,900 participants. The experiment consisted of 48 songs, which varied in ratings. The participants were instructed to rank the songs, and Watts and Salganik found that “new listeners dutifully took their social cues from the bogus popularity rankings — they ranked the fake-high ones high” and rated the “fake-low ones” low (Watts and Salganik, 2006). The findings of Watts and Salganik, as well as Thompson’s article, definitely impact my future decisions about what I like and purchase. I am usually impulsive with my purchases and tend to follow trends, depending on reviews; however, after learning more about groupthink, conformity, and social interactions, I will consider my purchases more carefully. I will consider long term outcomes for my purchase rather than going along with what everyone else currently encouraging others to