Understanding Informational Social Influence: Definition and Examples
Introduction:
Humans are social animals who tend to seek approval and acceptance from others. This natural tendency often leads to social influence, which can take various forms, such as conformity, compliance, or persuasion. Informational social influence, in particular, is a type of social influence that occurs when individuals adjust their behavior or beliefs based on the information provided by others. In this article, we will explore the concept of informational social influence and its examples.
What is Informational Social Influence?
Informational social influence is a type of social influence that occurs when individuals conform to the opinions or behaviors of others because they believe the other person has more accurate or valuable information than they do. This type of social influence is most seen in situations where individuals are uncertain or lack confidence in their own knowledge.
Informational Social Influence Examples:
1. Emergency Situations:
Emergency situations are one of the most common examples of informational social influence. People tend to follow the behavior of others during an emergency situation because they believe that the actions of others reflect the correct way to behave. For example, if a building is on fire, individuals will follow others to exit the building, even if they are not sure that it is the correct exit.
2. Scientific Research:
Scientific research is another example of informational social influence. People tend to cite renowned scientists or scholars in their research works because they perceive them to have accurate and valuable information. For example, if a scientist with a prestigious reputation publishes a research paper that contradicts a previously established scientific theory, other scientists are likely to update their research based on the new information provided.
3. Online Product Reviews:
Online product reviews on e-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a sense of informational social influence. Consumers tend to rely on the reviews provided by other customers to decide whether or not to purchase a product. Positive reviews from others can influence individuals to buy a product, while negative reviews may discourage them from purchasing it.
Conclusion:
Informational social influence is a common phenomenon that occurs in different contexts, from emergency situations to scientific research and e-commerce. It is a powerful tool that individuals can use to influence others and can have a significant impact on people’s actions and decisions. Understanding this concept is crucial for marketers, researchers, and individuals seeking information, as it can help them to identify and distinguish between accurate and biased information.
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