Does Social Media Lead To Social Conformity?

Summary

In this video, Myles Bess explores the impact of social media on individuality and conformity. He discusses how our innate desire for social acceptance can lead to conformity, influenced by trends and social media's tendency to promote popular content in a loop. The script highlights psychological concepts like groupthink and the bystander effect, and how they play out on platforms. Myles also talks to high schoolers about their experiences with conformity and identity on social media, suggesting that while it can encourage mimicry, it can also be a tool for self-expression and finding one's authentic interests.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Social media trends can influence our behavior and decisions, often leading to conformity.
• 🤔 The desire for social acceptance drives people to conform to popular trends to gain likes and approval.
• 🧠 Conformity is a deep-seated human trait, rooted in our brains and early behaviors like mimicking others.
• 🚦 Society relies on conformity for order and structure, such as following traffic rules and social norms.
• 👀 Conformity can lead to negative outcomes like peer pressure and the bystander effect, where individuals go along with the crowd to avoid standing out.
• 🧪 Research shows that when people feel they don't belong, areas of the brain related to anxiety and unease activate, prompting a desire to conform.
• 📈 Social media algorithms can create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
• 🌟 Despite pressures to conform, social media can also be a platform for individuals to express their unique identities and find communities that align with their values.
• 🔍 The concept of 'reflected appraisal' on social media means that individuals may shape their self-perception based on how they believe others perceive them.
• 💬 Authenticity on social media is possible, allowing individuals to share their true selves and interests rather than what is dictated by algorithms or trends.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the impact of social media on individuality and conformity, exploring how trends and the desire for social acceptance influence people's behavior and identity online.

Why does the speaker mention the need for conformity in society?

The speaker mentions the need for conformity in society to illustrate how deeply ingrained the desire to fit in is, and how it can lead to people changing their behavior to match those around them, which is a common aspect of human social behavior.

What is the 'bystander effect' as mentioned in the script?

The 'bystander effect' is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present, assuming that someone else will help or that the responsibility is shared among the group.

How does the script suggest social media amplifies the desire to conform?

The script suggests that social media amplifies the desire to conform by serving up popular trends and content in an endless loop, creating a feedback loop that encourages users to engage with what's already popular to gain social acceptance and likes.

What role does the hormone oxytocin play in the desire to conform, according to the script?

Oxytocin, known as the 'love hormone,' is released when individuals feel like they belong, creating a warm, fuzzy feeling. The script suggests that this hormone can drive people to conform to group behaviors to seek relief from anxiety and unease when they perceive disagreement within a group.

What is 'groupthink' and how does it relate to social media as discussed in the script?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony in a group results in the suppression of individual opinions and critical thinking. The script relates this to social media by suggesting that the platform's algorithms and user behaviors can lead to a consolidation of popular opinions, stifling diversity in thought.

Why does the speaker mention 'echo chambers' in the context of social media?

The speaker mentions 'echo chambers' to describe how social media platforms can create environments where users are only exposed to information and opinions that align with their existing beliefs, reinforcing those beliefs without exposing them to diverse perspectives.

What is 'performative activism' and how is it connected to social media conformity?

Performative activism refers to the act of supporting a cause publicly to gain social approval or recognition rather than genuine commitment. It is connected to social media conformity as individuals may participate in trends or support causes that are popular to fit in or gain social validation.

How does the script suggest that social media can be used to shape individual identity?

The script suggests that social media can be used to shape individual identity by allowing users to signal to others who they are through the content they post and share, which can influence how others perceive them and can also be a reflection of their self-image.

What is 'reflected appraisal' and how does it play a role in social media interactions?

Reflected appraisal is a concept where individuals form their self-concept based on their perceptions of how others view them. In social media interactions, this is played out through the feedback, likes, and comments users receive, which can significantly influence their self-perception and behavior.

What does the script suggest about the potential for social media to foster both conformity and individuality?

The script suggests that while social media can supercharge conformity by promoting popular trends and creating echo chambers, it also provides a platform for individuals to express their authentic selves, explore their interests, and connect with like-minded communities, thus fostering individuality.