Social Proof

I came across an interesting research today. The research discuss about the phenomenon of social proof. How do we follow people blindly and how our decision is based on our surrounding. Our surrounding in today’s world is limited to Google and FB. Physically it is decaying exponentially whereas digitally growing exponentially

For instance, you haven’t been to Las Vegas, but most of your friends recently visited Vegas. You saw that in the feed. Your mind start to wonder shouldn’t I too once visit Vegas. My friends enjoyed there so much. The wondering happened because of the social proof phenomenon. As humans we don’t want to be left out. But when we communicate this to Google or FB unintentionally. That’s when the real picture begins. You will start to notice more ads related to Vegas. For instance, flights to Vegas and many more ads depending on previous data Google or FB has.

By observing those ads, the Vegas keep revolving in our brain all the time. Ultimately, we end up visiting Vegas. That’s how Google or FB makes money without even charging us. It’s difficult to walk alone. But that’s how life is. If it were so easy, Google or FB wouldn’t be so cash rich 😀

I am not against visiting Vegas. I am just pointing out how decisions are made unconsciously by others for us.