Descriptive norms

Descriptive norms refer to our perceptions of how most people behave in a particular situation. They are about understanding what is typical or standard behavior based on observation or experience. For example, if you see many people recycling, you might be influenced to recycle as well. These norms shape our actions by showing us what is commonly done, often without explicit instructions. Recognizing descriptive norms can help explain how behaviors spread within communities and influence individual choices, often subtly guiding us to align with what we perceive as normal or typical behavior.