Social Impact Theory

Social Impact Theory posits that the influence of individuals or groups on a person's behavior is dependent on three key factors: the strength of the influencing entity (authority, expertise), the immediacy (proximity in time and space), and the number of people involved (size of the group). Essentially, the more powerful, present, and numerous the influences, the greater their impact on behavior. This theory helps explain why people might conform to group norms, obey authority figures, or adopt behaviors when surrounded by others who are doing the same.