bandwagon[/caption]Carol Forsloff----What’s the “in crowd” thinking today and how can I fit in? The bandwagon effect pulls hard on the crowds who waited for the George Zimmerman verdict and fret over Edward Snowden and his status as traitor or hero. How much of this response is the bandwagon effect, and what is it, according to social science experts?
The bandwagon effect is described as “the more people come to believe in something, others also "jump on the bandwagon" regardless of the underlying evidence. The tendency to follow the actions or beliefs of others can occur because individuals directly prefer to conform, or because individuals derive information from others.”
"Jump on the bandwagon" is also a term that is frequently used to define similar behavior, dating back from "jump on the bandwagon" comes from events in 1848 when Dan Rice, who had been a popular clown, entered politics, using his bandwagon as he toured to secure votes during his political campaign. Now that bandwagon effect is often talked about in politics, music and social media, where people respond to something in the way they see their social group, or favored group, to respond.
Facebook shares have increased in value over the past few days. More and more investors will follow because of that bandwagon, but experts warn against responding immediately when there is a sudden rise in a stock, or the market as a whole. Instead most experts remind us that values that increase can also plummet in the same direction, so that steady gains and hedging as well as diversifying is a better trend to follow, going against that “bandwagon effect.”
Edward Snowden appeals to the hero instinct in many young people, who see someone who dares to be different and will do and say what he needs to in order to keep the light on stage. The response by many is to circle in groups, defining boundaries, exchanging social media highlights and responses, based upon that hero or traitor notion. But a perusal of the usual and customary Facebook feed finds far more folks cheering on the fellow who is continuing to have international appeal for boldness and escape and standing up against the government. That response has been a bandwagon effect. In fact it has been said by writers of the Daily Beast his actions have inspired European youth to train as spies.
And if you are African American or an educated Northerner it is likely you run with the crowd that seeks signed petitions declaring inequities in the George Zimmerman trial. Zimmerman was acquitted of charges against him for killing an African American teen.
While we examine our finances and our feelings about news events, it is important to understand the bandwagon effect and how it may deter making an appropriate assessment of a given event. How we respond often is governed largely by two factors: your own beliefs and the beliefs of the group in which you belong or hope to become involved. And once you make up your mind instantly after something happens, it will be hard to change it, given the additional fact that most people will continue to believe a falsehood that agrees with their beliefs even when the truth is made evident.
