Bandwagon Effect

The Bandwagon Effect occurs when someone adopts a behavior or attitude simply because “everyone else is doing it.” For example, you might start wearing a certain brand of sneakers just because they are popular, or you might vote for a certain political candidate because your friends like him or because he’s leading in the polls, even though deep-down you disagree with many of his ideas. The bandwagon effect shows that groups are highly influential on individual behavior. People tend to follow the actions of others and to conform to the beliefs of those around them.