Conformity is a psychological phenomenon where an individual aligns their thoughts, opinions, and behaviors with those of a group, often due to the fear of rejection or the desire for acceptance. It’s the belief that there is strength in numbers. This belief can lead to submission to authority, blind adherence to majority opinions, and decisions that may not benefit the individual but are socially accepted. In simple terms, it is the absence of one’s own voice, a willingness to abandon personal beliefs for the sake of fitting in with more powerful or influential sources.

This behavior originates from a fear of being ostracized. If someone doesn’t conform, they risk being excluded from the group, which holds power, resources, and status. In evolutionary terms, being excluded from the group could mean a reduction in chances for survival. Therefore, conformity serves as a survival mechanism, providing safety by aligning with the group and avoiding conflict, especially with those in power.

The Roots of Conformity: Why Do We Conform?

Low self-esteem is often at the core of conformist behavior, but it doesn’t develop in the usual way. Instead of a lack of confidence, the root of the issue lies in unmet basic needs. These needs include safety, financial security, emotional comfort, and social acceptance. When these needs aren’t adequately addressed, people tend to look for reassurance in the group.

Joining a group provides a sense of belonging, access to resources, and an increase in self-worth, as being part of the majority is seen as a form of success. In this scenario, individuals no longer see themselves as self-sufficient or capable of independence. Instead, they rely on the group’s strength and resources. On the one hand, they try to align themselves with leaders; on the other, they suppress their own opinions to avoid conflict. The fear of confrontation and failure to resist the group’s dominant opinions keeps them from expressing their own.

Forms of Conformity

Psychologists and sociologists may differ in how they categorize conformity, with some identifying as many as five or six different forms. However, there are three main variations that most experts agree on. Let’s take a look at these core forms of conformity:

1. Acceptance of Authority

In this form of conformity, a person might have their own beliefs and opinions, but they suppress them out of fear of the consequences of disagreeing with someone in authority. This is often seen in hierarchical relationships, where the authority figure has the power to remove privileges or benefits if the conformist doesn’t comply.

For example, in a workplace setting, an employee might have valid concerns about the direction the company is taking, but because speaking up might jeopardize their job, they remain silent, accepting the boss’s decisions without challenge. The individual’s insecurity and fear of losing their position drive this submission.

2. Following Ideals

This form of conformity occurs when individuals consciously align themselves with the ideals or lifestyle of someone they admire. It’s not just about following orders but about aspiring to become like a particular leader or idol. People who emulate the behaviors, values, or actions of successful individuals in the hopes of achieving similar success often exhibit this type of conformity.

For example, many young people, especially teens, may look up to famous athletes, celebrities, or influencers, adopting their lifestyles, beliefs, and even fashion choices. While some of this emulation can be positive, the problem arises when the individual neglects their own unique abilities and instead tries to mirror someone else. This not only stunts personal growth but can also lead to disappointment when they realize that trying to be someone else’s copy doesn’t lead to fulfillment or success.

Furthermore, the advice or actions of these idols are not always beneficial or realistic. The glamorization of celebrities, particularly in social media culture, can encourage unrealistic expectations and leave the individual vulnerable to manipulation by those promoting false ideals, such as get-rich-quick schemes or deceptive business practices.

3. Total Submission

The most extreme form of conformity is total submission. This occurs when a person completely surrenders their autonomy and identity to a leader or ideology. Total submission is often seen in authoritarian regimes, where the leader’s opinions and demands become the law, and dissent is not tolerated. This extreme form of conformity can also be observed in cults and situations of extreme obedience to authority, such as those studied in the Milgram experiments, where individuals were willing to administer potentially lethal electric shocks to others simply because they were instructed to do so by an authority figure.

In such situations, individuals may feel forced to support the leader or political figure for the sake of survival or safety. Over time, through media and societal pressure, the leader’s image becomes elevated to near-mythical status, and people begin to worship them, even when their actions are questionable.

This form of conformity is often reinforced by mass rallies, media manipulation, and groupthink. The group becomes an echo chamber, where dissenting opinions are shut down and individuals are pressured to conform to the majority. The more people follow the leader, the more power they perceive the leader to have, and this cycle perpetuates itself.

The Dangers of Conformity

While conformity can provide a sense of safety and acceptance, it also comes with significant risks. When individuals submit to the will of others, they risk losing their sense of self and becoming dependent on the group for validation. This can lead to a variety of negative consequences, both psychologically and socially.

1. Loss of Personal Identity

Conformity often leads to a loss of individuality. When people suppress their own beliefs and opinions to align with the majority, they may begin to feel disconnected from their true selves. Over time, this can result in feelings of emptiness, frustration, and a lack of personal fulfillment. The individual becomes a mere reflection of the ideals they are following rather than an autonomous being with their own values.

2. Emotional and Psychological Strain

Constantly suppressing one’s thoughts and desires in favor of the group can cause significant emotional stress. The individual may feel conflicted internally, torn between their true self and the version they present to others. This emotional strain can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, as the person struggles to maintain a facade.

3. Vulnerability to Manipulation

Conformists are particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Those in power can exploit the conformist’s fear of rejection to control their behavior and beliefs. This is why dictators and authoritarian leaders often rely on mass conformity to maintain their power. The individual, eager to belong and gain resources, may unknowingly support harmful policies or systems that go against their best interests.

Breaking Free from Conformity

The key to overcoming conformity is self-awareness and the cultivation of self-esteem. People who are confident in their own abilities and beliefs are less likely to succumb to the pressures of conformity. It’s important to develop a sense of autonomy and recognize that one’s worth does not depend on external validation.

If you find yourself constantly seeking approval from others or blindly following others’ beliefs, it’s essential to take a step back and assess why this happens. Building self-esteem through positive self-reflection, personal growth, and seeking out supportive communities that encourage individuality can help break the cycle of conformity.

A significant body of research demonstrates the power of conformity. The Asch conformity experiments, conducted by Solomon Asch in the 1950s, are a classic example. In these experiments, participants were asked to judge the length of lines. When placed in a group where others intentionally gave incorrect answers, many participants conformed to the majority view, even when it was clearly wrong. These experiments provided empirical evidence of the strong influence of social pressure on individual judgment.

Conclusion

Conformity is a natural psychological tendency that serves to protect individuals from the dangers of rejection and social isolation. However, it can also prevent personal growth and lead to emotional and psychological harm. By recognizing the signs of conformity and actively working to strengthen our sense of self, we can avoid the negative consequences and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

In a world where groupthink and societal pressures are ever-present, it’s essential to embrace our uniqueness and trust in our own beliefs. Only by doing so can we break free from the cycle of conformity and truly thrive as individuals.