Are You Affected By The Bandwagon Effect ? Read This To Know.
Have you bought an I-Phone just because everyone is using it? And you tend to avoid visiting places which has negative reviews? Or else you have gone for Keto Diet, solely because it is popular among the folks?
If the answer to above questions are yes, then the chances are you have been effected by Bandwagon Effect.
At first, let’s understand what the Bandwagon Effect is. Then, we will move onto “How can One avoid it”.
The Bandwagon Effect
When people tend to follow the trends blindly i.e. without being sure about its credibility or authenticity, the phenomenon is called “ The Bandwagon Effect”.
ORIGIN
In 1848, the campaigns were going on for United States Presidential Elections. Dan Rice, who was an entertainer, were campaigning for Zachary Taylor. The most prominent element of the campaign events was the Rice’s bandwagon. As he used to motivate people to jump on bandwagon to show support for Taylor.
Later in 20th century, the term “The Bandwagon Effect” was associated with the psychological phenomenon under which individuals tend to go with majority even if it contradicts with their personal views.
Shall I Worry About it?
Of course, you should. That’s because your ability to take decisions is being effected negatively. After all, good decisions are the pathway to success. In order to do so, you must think critically and rationally, no matter if the whole world does opposite to it. For example, there is cell phone model launched last month. And it is something which everybody wants, but only few can afford. You are among those few and will be buying it soon. This is where you are being indecisive. Think for a while, whether you really need all those advanced functions of cell phone? No doubt, the specifications have no alternative in the market but what purpose they will be serving to you? Most probably, you will figure out that your average use of mobile phone consists only few activities such as texting, using social media, watching videos and/or playing a game or two. All of this can be done using any smart phone in the market. Conclusively, we can say that you want to buy that expensive phone just because it is a symbol of higher status or else you want to match your personality with those around.
HOW TO AVOID THE BANDWAGON EFFECT
Now that you are aware about the consequences of this psychological bias, certain techniques can be practiced to stay away from it.
Learn to handle pressure.
In many instances, we are forced to take decision in a short period of time and a specific side is insisted. You should be strong enough to deflect the pressure and take the right decision.
Take Responsibility of Your Decisions.
Do not blame others for the situations that are result of your choices. Even though, if you have done so under the effect of Bandwagon effect or any other social influence.
Envisage the outcomes of your choices.
Whenever you feel urge of doing the same as the majority, consider that how the results can affect you personally.
CONCLUSION.
The bandwagon effect is not always bad. Sometimes, it proves beneficial to go with the crowd but one must be aware of his/her actions and the potential consequences. Whether you go with or against bandwagon cues, be reasonable for each step you take.
