Everyone else is doing it, so it must be worth doing, right?
At a Glance
The bandwagon effect is one reason why we often fall for short-lived trends.
It can affect our choicesin ways that can be both good and bad.
Henrik Sorensen / Getty Images
What Impact Does It Have?
The bandwagon effect shows why we shouldn’t always let popular opinion dictate what is right.
Sometimes things that are good for the majority of people, aren’t right for everyone.
The zeitgeist is constantly shifting.
What’s “in” today can just as easily be “out” tomorrow.
Fashions and pop culture phenomena aren’t the only passing trends affected by the bandwagon effect.
Factors that Influence the Bandwagon Effect
So, why exactly does the bandwagon effect occur?
Individuals are highly influenced by the pressure and norms exerted by groups.
It’s a natural tendency for people to follow along with the rest of the group.
Sometimes, we do it because we feel pressured.
Hopping on trends can even play a role in helping us bond with others.
These heuristics can be influenced by what you see everyone else doing.
Groupthink
The bandwagon effect is essentially a throw in ofgroupthink.
A Desire to Be Right
People want to be right.
They want to be part of the winning side.
A Need to Be Included
Fear of exclusion also plays a role in the bandwagon effect.
People jump on the bandwagon quickly, but they also jump off it just as fast.
This is perhaps why trends tend to be so fleeting.
Sometimes they can be far more dangerous.
Seek Diverse Information
Don’t listen to a single source when evaluating information.
Seek out a range of data and opinions, including alternative or contrary views.
Recognize Cognitive Dissonance
Recognizing that you’ve fallen prey to the bandwagon effect can be rough.
Sometimes, you might feel a bit foolish that you jumped on a short-lived trend.
Or you might feel duped because you spent money on products or services that made false promises.
In either case, letting go once the trend has lost appeal or popularity isn’t always easy.
You might have mixed feelings about letting go of something that feels familiar and comfortable.
Give yourself time to adapt to changesand be careful to avoid replacing old gimmicks with new ones.
Their sudden, widespread adoption is often backed up by nothing more than the testimonials.
Or, at the very least, ask your doctor before you try it.
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