Social media has been widely debated for its impact on individuals and society. One aspect that has gained attention is whether social media promotes conformity or not. Conformity can be defined as the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to group norms. We will examine the various ways in which social media can influence conformity and argue that, in certain cases, social media can indeed promote conformity. Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to comply with the expectations and norms of a social group. This can involve adopting the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of the group in order to fit in and be accepted by others. Conformity can occur due to a variety of factors, including the desire for approval or acceptance, a need for social harmony, or a perceived lack of personal knowledge or certainty about a particular issue. While conformity can lead to positive outcomes such as increased cooperation and social harmony, it can also lead to negative consequences such as suppression of individuality and loss of critical thinking. Conformity continues to be an important area of study in social psychology, as it provides insight into how individuals form their beliefs and behaviours within social groups.
First and foremost, social media platforms are designed to encourage users to conform to their algorithms. For example, social media algorithms prioritise content that is popular, receives the most engagement, and is in line with a user’s past behaviour. This means that users are more likely to see posts and advertisements that align with their existing beliefs and values. As a result, they may become more entrenched in their opinions, rather than being exposed to diverse perspectives. Furthermore, social media provides users with the opportunity to express their opinions and engage with like-minded individuals. While this can be empowering and provide a sense of community, it can also lead to groupthink and a pressure to conform. Users may feel the need to conform to the opinions of their peers and may be discouraged from expressing dissenting views, leading to a narrow and homogenised perspective.
Moreover, social media platforms have been known to have a significant impact on body image and self-esteem. The constant exposure to images of seemingly perfect bodies and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and pressure to conform to these unrealistic beauty standards. In this sense, social media can encourage conformity in appearance and behaviour, leading to a loss while social media has the potential to bring people together and facilitate the exchange of ideas, it can also promote conformity. The algorithms that prioritise popular content, the pressure to conform to group norms, and the impact on body image and self-esteem are all factors that contribute to the promotion of conformity on social media. It is important to be aware of these influences and strive to maintain our individuality and independence of thought in the face of such pressures.
Social media has been a widespread phenomenon for over a decade now and has changed the way people interact and express themselves. While social media platforms have numerous benefits, they are also accused of promoting individualism and having a negative impact on society. In psychology, individualism refers to a personality trait that emphasises one’s own self-interest and independence. Individuals who score high in individualism place a strong value on their own personal goals and desires, and tend to prioritise their own interests over those of the group. This perspective is often contrasted with collectivism, which emphasises the importance of group membership and loyalty to a social group. Research in social psychology has shown that individualistic cultures tend to place a greater value on autonomy and self-expression, while collectivistic cultures tend to emphasise social harmony and interdependence. Understanding individualism in psychology is important in understanding how people form their identities and navigate relationships with others.
Does the usage of social media increase conformity?
The usage of social media affects individuals to conform to peers, friends, and strangers. Social media is defined as the collection of online communication channels intended to be community-based input, exchanging interactions, sharing any type of content, and collaboration of all the contributions (Social media Scholarly Peer-review journal). Conformity is defined as someone changing their personal values, beliefs, or behaviours to match or imitate those of real or imagined presence of other.
There are two branches of conformity, informational social influence and normative social influence.
Informational social influence is when we rely on others as a source of information to guide our behaviour. An example is going to a football game and not knowing where to enter the stadium; you may look around at others and use that as a cue to follow the crowd.
Normative social influence involves us going along with the masses to be liked, even if it goes against our own beliefs.
On one hand, social media allows individuals to showcase their unique personalities, interests, and opinions to a global audience. Users can create a personal brand and connect with like-minded individuals, leading to a sense of empowerment and individuality. Additionally, social media provides a platform for marginalised communities to have a voice and share their experiences, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
on the other hand, social media can also have a negative impact on individualism. People tend to present a curated version of themselves online, portraying a idealised self that may not reflect their true self. This leads to a sense of comparison and competition among users, as they try to present their lives as perfect as possible. social media algorithms often prfioritize content that is sensational or controversial, leading to the promotion of divisive and polarising viewpoints. This contributes to the fragmentation of society, as individuals become more isolated and entrenched in their own beliefs, and less likely to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who hold differing opinions.
social media has both positive and negative impacts on individualism. While it provides a platform for people to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals, it also perpetuates unrealistic expectations and encourages a competitive and divisive culture. The impact of social media on individualism is complex and multifaceted, and it is up to each person to use it in a way that promotes positive self-expression and meaningful connections.
