JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON IS ONE WAY TO MAKE DECISIONS
In social psychology there is a tendency for people to align their beliefs and behaviors with those around them. It is called the bandwagon effect and like most I have been affected by this cognitive bias a few times before and did not realize it was even happening.
A couple of years after Facebook started in 2004, a friend of mine suggested this website where you add in your photos and personal information onto the platform. They said it was a great way to stay in contact with family and friends, especially if you live out of town and people from your past or high school can easily find you.
I vividly remember my first few responses to friends as they tried to drag me onboard the platform. “Wow that sounds like a security issue showing strangers your photos of who you hang out with and were you’ve been lately”. “Great holiday, they can see you’re not home, was the alarm on?” Why does it matter if I am single or married, is this a dating website?”, I recall asking my friend one day.
Then in 2008 under peer pressure from my group I joined, I had to. It was the only way to see the pictures from a wedding I attended. As it turns out, it was easier to be on the bandwagon then running beside it with all my questions and concerns.
