Social Proof  Part 4:
On being an individual

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So with this sort of pressure, how can we be ourselves, steer our own ships and be individuals?



Before we dismiss social proof out of hand we need to be fair. Much popular behaviour is valuable and the fact that many people do it may be a good sign that we should follow suit. Regular dental check ups, exercising, taking financial advice and so on, are activities engaged in by millions and with good reason.

It’s only when we blindly follow the masses that our individual integrity is threatened – especially when that quiet voice says briefly “is this really right?” before being drowned out by the roar of the crowd. But if we go against the herd at any opportunity then our behaviour is no less mechanical than the social-proof induced actions of a Nazi or fashion victim.

We need to be influenced by those around us for society to function but we also need to understand that more people doing something doesn’t necessarily make it right.

Recall the story of the Emperor’s new clothes. Although the king was naked, none of his thousands of subjects would admit (even to themselves) that he wasn’t wearing fine new clothes (the cunning tailor had said that only a fool wouldn’t be able to see the fineries).

It took the direct perception and clear straight forwardness of a child in the crowd to point out the Emperor was in fact… naked.

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