The Psychology of Conformity

Summary

This video explores the tension between conformity and non-conformity, highlighting how social media amplifies societal pressure to conform. Drawing on insights from Ralph Waldo Emerson and Ernest Becker, it delves into the existential fear of death that drives individuals to adopt predetermined roles, often at the expense of their uniqueness. Non-conformity, characterized by authentic self-expression and personal heroism, is presented as a vital path toward a fulfilling life. The video emphasizes that while conformity may offer comfort, it ultimately leads to a robotic existence, urging viewers to embrace their individuality and strive for personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Non-conformity has historically faced strong societal pressures, which have intensified with social media.
• 😀 Conformity is defined as imitating socially accepted behaviors, while true non-conformity arises from personal authenticity.
• 😀 Fear of death significantly influences human behavior, leading many to conform rather than embrace their uniqueness.
• 😀 According to Ernest Becker, striving for the heroic is a way to deny death and find meaning in life.
• 😀 Personal heroism involves cultivating one's unique talents and creating meaningful contributions to the world.
• 😀 Many individuals are discouraged from embracing their uniqueness, often viewing it as something to be shunned.
• 😀 Cultural heroism, or adopting predetermined social roles, provides security but limits personal expression.
• 😀 The comfort of conformity can lead to a robotic existence, devoid of genuine self-expression.
• 😀 The pressure to conform can create a sense of anxiety and despair in individuals who feel they have more to offer.
• 😀 The rarity of non-conformists can be attributed to a combination of fear and a propensity for laziness.

Q & A

What does Ralph Waldo Emerson suggest about conformity?

Emerson suggests that conformity is a powerful force that can suppress individuality, and he advocates for non-conformity as a means to cultivate one's uniqueness.

How has social media changed the enforcement of conformity?

Social media allows for a broader reach in enforcing conformity, enabling people globally to ostracize or ridicule those who deviate from socially acceptable beliefs or behaviors.

Why is non-conformity considered important for society?

Non-conformity is vital as it fosters new ideas and creativity, which contribute to a vibrant society. It allows individuals to express their unique perspectives, enhancing cultural and social richness.

What is the distinction between true non-conformity and mere rejection of social norms?

True non-conformity involves choosing beliefs and behaviors based on personal values rather than just opposing social norms for the sake of being different. It reflects authentic self-expression.

According to Ernest Becker, what role does the fear of death play in conformity?

Becker argues that the fear of death leads individuals to conform as a way to deny their mortality, seeking security and meaning through predetermined social roles instead of pursuing unique paths.

What are the two paths to heroism described by Becker?

Becker describes the path of the non-conformist, which involves personal heroism through unique self-expression, and the path of the conformist, characterized by cultural heroism through adherence to societal norms.

How does cultural heroism provide comfort to individuals?

Cultural heroism offers individuals a sense of security and purpose, making them feel as though they are part of something significant, despite limiting their personal uniqueness and expression.

What does Becker mean by society acting as a 'codified hero system'?

Becker suggests that society serves as a system that provides individuals with meaning and values, similar to how religions do, thus creating a framework within which people find significance in their lives.

Why do non-conformists provoke fear among conformists?

Non-conformists challenge the significance of conformists' social roles and existence, which instills doubt in the latter, leading to fear and attempts to suppress individuality.

What does the script imply about the psychological effects of conformity?

The script implies that conformity can lead to a robotic existence where individuals lack personal fulfillment and self-awareness, resulting in a stifling of creativity and a disconnect from one's true self.