After watching the video, did you say to yourself, “I would’ve stood my ground and continued giving the correct answer.” If you said that to yourself, or something similar, I’m not surprised. I’ve heard similar statements from others that have seen or heard me describe the scenario in the video. I certainly told myself with absolute certainty that’s what I would have done. The reason I would’ve done so, and I’m assuming your reason’s the same, is I wouldn’t lie. In particular, it is due to the fact that the scenario is based on such a trivial circumstance.

But, what about a circumstance that isn’t trivial? How about one that pertains to our health and well-being? Stick with me here.

You see, there are many people puffing on their first cigarette right now. Why? Perhaps they’ve been influenced by seeing their friends smoke. Or, maybe they’ve seen their favorite celebrity smoking. Either way, they were impacted by Social Proof, which is one of the most powerful tools of social influence. Before I move on, here’s a simple definition of Social Proof.

The more you see others who are similar to you– or who you admire and respect– doing, believing, or having something; the more likely you are to do, believe, or acquire the same thing.

A prime example is the individuals puffing on their first cigarette. Listen, that is occurring regardless of the Surgeon General’s warning on the package and the countless commercials that are meant to stop them. You might be saying, “But wait, Ron! They aren’t lying to anyone about anything.” I submit to you that they are lying to themselves. Think about it. The Surgeon General requires cigarette makers to rotate the following warnings on the packages.

1. Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy.
2. Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health.
3. Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon Monoxide.
4. Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low Birth Weight.

What’s the lie? “It won’t happen to me. Besides, we’re all going to die anyway. I might as well enjoy life.” How’s that a lie? Whether someone ends up lying in a hospital bed dying of lung cancer or not, the Surgeon General clearly states that their health will suffer. Therefore, I believe they are lying to themselves. Furthermore, if they should become one of the unfortunate victims who do end up in that hospital bed– will they still maintain that the enjoyment they received is worth the price they are paying? You tell me.

One more thing.  Did you notice that the participants in the video don’t appear to know each other?   How do you think Social Proof impacted their decision?  Here’s something else to be aware of regarding Social Proof.  When we aren’t certain about what to do or believe, we often follow the crowd.  As you watched the video, did it become evident that the subjects became uncertain about their answers due to the seemingly certain responses of the others?  Keep this mind.  The person who is most certain about a topic will frequently influence us.

As long as we live, we’ll be in situations like the subjects in the video or like the first-time smokers, but after reading this post at least you’ll understand part of what influences your decisions. And, it is my hope that you will make a decision that is your best interest.

What do you think of this post? Write your comment, or criticism below. Go ahead and do it now. Thanks!

Warmly

Ron

Relevant Resouce:
Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D., (2001) Influence: Science and Practice – Read about it on Amazon.com. By the way, that is an affiliate link.