Exploring the Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Informational Social Influence
Have you ever found yourself agreeing with a decision made by a group, even when you didn’t fully understand why they made that decision? If so, you may have experienced informational social influence.
Informational social influence occurs when an individual conforms to a group’s decision or behavior because they believe that the group’s knowledge or experience is superior to their own. In this article, we will explore the factors that increase the likelihood of informational social influence and how it impacts decision-making in various settings.
Fear of Being Wrong
One of the key factors that increase the likelihood of informational social influence is the fear of being wrong. When individuals feel uncertain about a decision or are under major pressure, they may seek security in the opinions of others. This can be particularly true in highly stressful situations, where individuals may believe that the expertise of others can guide them towards successful outcomes.
Research has shown that even when incorrect information is given to an individual during informational social influence, the fear of being wrong can override logical decision making and cause individuals to conform to the group’s opinions.
Group Cohesion
Another factor that can increase informational social influence is group cohesion. The more tightly knit and aligned the group, the stronger the influence that the group can have on individuals. In some cases, this can lead to groupthink, where the desire for harmony and conformity overrides independent and critical thought.
An example of this was seen in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Members of the NASA team may have witnessed potential problems with the launch, but failed to speak up due to their belief in the cohesion of the group and the weight of their colleagues’ opinions.
Expertise and Status
Individuals are more likely to conform to those with perceived expertise or status. Experts or authority figures can be particularly influential in a variety of settings, from medicine to politics, and can shape opinions and beliefs of others.
For example, there has been significant debate over the effectiveness of masks in preventing COVID-19. When experts on the topic publicly support mask-wearing, it can lead to widespread acceptance and compliance among the general public.
Culture and Social Norms
Cultural or social norms can also increase the likelihood of informational social influence. The opinions and behavioral patterns that are considered to be normal in a particular society can influence an individual’s decision-making. This can be particularly true in situations where an individual is not familiar with social norms or customs.
For example, in Asian cultures, it is considered polite to refuse a gift a few times before accepting it. Westerners who are not familiar with this custom may feel pressure to conform to the expectations of the group.
Conclusion
Informational social influence is a powerful force that can influence individuals in a wide range of settings. Fear of being wrong, group cohesion, expertise and status, and cultural and social norms are all factors that increase the likelihood of informational social influence.
By understanding these factors, we can work to reduce the effects of informational social influence and make more informed and independent decisions. As individuals and a society, we must recognize the importance of critical thinking and independent thought to avoid groupthink and ensure that the decisions we make are based on facts and logic.
