panta-rhei

In 1955 psychologist Salomon E. Asch conducted an interesting experiment.

cite: Asch, S. E. (1955). Opinions and social pressure. Scientific American, 193 No 5, 31-35.

In short, it showed that conformity is sort of an inner mechanism for social behaviour (of individuals in a group) that may lead to judge an obviously false statement as right.

This unconcious mechanism can be used to manipulate public opinion in a varity of ways. Polls are a good example. The effect of conformity is so strong that polls may create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Especially when polls show a high percentage of accordance, influence on public opinion is inevitable.

Be aware that polls can never be neutral from this POV. In some countries polls are forbidden before elections for this reason.

Another example are images that show masses of people. You might be told that these people shown represent the whole population and – more importantly – you are told what they want. Images can be digitally  manipulated. Riots may be provoced and/or claceurs installed.

We all got acoustumed to frenetic applause. It’s so annoying. When we sit in front of our TV and watch a comedy with mixed in laughs we laugh with the crowed and have ‘a good time’. Only because we can’t stand to be outsiders.   

A third example is simply spreading lies and missinformation. "Our troups took over and are of total control" might be a questionalbe statement. On the other side information can be made look like neglectable, or belonging to a minority.

These are all examples of the effects of conformity. Get informed about the experimental setup, you’ll be astonished!