Misperception of Norms

Misperception of norms occurs when people incorrectly believe that certain behaviors or attitudes are more common or widely accepted than they actually are. For example, someone might think everyone drinks heavily or skips workouts, and this false belief can influence them to do the same. These misunderstandings can happen because our perceptions are often influenced by limited or skewed information, leading us to assume that behaviors are more prevalent than they truly are. Recognizing and correcting these misperceptions can encourage healthier or more positive behaviors by aligning perceptions with reality.