\nIn 1955 psychologist Salomon E. Asch conducted an interesting experiment.\n<\/p>\n
\ncite: Asch, S. E. (1955). Opinions and social pressure. Scientific American, 193 No 5, 31-35.\n<\/p>\n
\nIn 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Be aware that polls can never be neutral from this POV. In some countries polls are forbidden before elections for this reason.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
These are all examples of the effects of conformity. Get informed about the experimental setup, you’ll be astonished!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 … Continue reading