Why do you conform? (because psychology is my biggest interest)

Ever wondered why you assume someone else knows better than you? Why others know the answer to a question in class and you don't?  

Well this may be due to the human nature of conforming. 

Conformity is a change in a person's behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or a group of people.

- e.g. in Mean Girls where all the girls wear pink on Wednesday's. It's an imaginary and made-up rule.

Key thing to know: There are 2 main types of conformity.

1. Internalisation, where you accept group norms. Your public and personal beliefs change permanently

2. Compliance, where you go along with the beliefs of others in public, but privately you don't change your beliefs and opinions.

So why do people conform?

Well this can come from the need to be right (a.k.a informational social influence). E.g. accepting the class's answer because you believe they are right.

Or the need to be liked (a.k.a normative social influence). E.g. the desire for approval with friends, or in stressful situations where social support is needed.

I hope at least someone learned something new :)