Theories of Social Influence

Theories of social influence explore how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by others. They include concepts like conformity, where individuals match group norms; compliance, voluntarily agreeing to requests; and obedience, following direct commands from authority figures. These influences can occur consciously or unconsciously and are driven by factors such as social pressure, desire for acceptance, or fear of rejection. Understanding these theories helps explain why people sometimes act differently in groups or under authority, highlighting the powerful role social dynamics play in shaping human behavior.