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When it comes to society, it can have a lot to do with social media and different online platforms. They can influence us in different ways, and this is described in the following TED talk.

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Nicholas Christakis: The hidden influence of social networks | TED Talk

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We’re all embedded in vast social networks of friends, family, co-workers and more. Nicholas Christakis tracks how a wide variety of traits -- from happiness to obesity -- can spread from person to person, showing how your location in the network might impact your life in ways you don’t even know.

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When it comes to conformity, the way others treat it make it seem as though it is a bad thing. This image shows that it could be considered as breaking out of a prison. Even if it is a good thing, the public can make it seem like the opposite.

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Even if it may seem like a racist photo, what this photo is trying to convey is that we are all trying to get everyone to be just like us. This has nothing to do with color of your skin, it has to do with what you choose to believe and stand up for throughout your life. Whether you like it or not, someone will be against any one action you may do.

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Knowing conformity and how it works is a huge part of understanding it completely. This video can describe how it works through different ways and aspects.

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Social Pressure

Why do we give in to peer pressure?

1. Sometimes we change our attitudes and behaviors so people will like us. This behavior is called normative conformity, or acting within social norms.

2. Other times, we look to the group to provide knowledge about appropriate behaviors and attitudes. This behavior is known as informational conformity, or the tendency to rely on group wisdom to dictate appropriate actions.

Imagine it's your first year in college. You're excited to meet new people, so you join a special interest group for environmentally conscientious students. You're also on the soccer team. After a winning game, your teammates all go out to celebrate. While you're parading through the campus, your teammates are tossing bottles and food wrappers on the ground. As you pass a member of your eco-group, you see her expression of disgust as litter lands at her feet. Do you say something to your teammates?

A common response would be to give in to the majority and act like you don't care that your teammates are littering. Your soccer team is made up of 30 of the most popular students on campus, and you're afraid what they'll think if you don't show loyalty to the group. You want them to accept you and invite you to other team social events.

Group size affects the level to which individuals conform. Conformity increases when the majority of the group members are acting in unison, an effect that can be compared to herd behavior.

What if you did say something and this gave others the courage to also speak up? When it comes to views about littering and the environment, you follow the lead of the environmental group and tap into that group's informational influence. You and your eco-friend start picking up the trail of litter.

Conformity is sometimes eliminated when one person diverges from the group. Unanimous beliefs are the most influential, but a minority influence can impact a larger group if persuasive.

How does the fact that you're one of the newest members of the team impact your decision? If you were the team captain, would you be more likely to tell your teammates that their actions weren't cool?

Conformity is more likely when the message is coming from higher status individuals. On the flip side, people with low self esteem are more likely to conform than those with high self esteem.

Solomon Asch's Conformity Experiments

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solomon asch & cultural influence - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Conformity: Social Pressure, Solomon Asch & Cultural Influence - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Why do we give in to peer pressure? Sometimes we change our attitudes and behaviors so people will like us. This behavior is called normative conformity, or acting within social norms. Other times, we look to the group to provide knowledge about appropriate behaviors and attitudes.

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“It's weird not to be weird.”
― John Lennon

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of the World

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of the World

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Companies can use even more things to be able to attract consumers through conformity. “By 2011, approximately 83% of Fortune 500 companies were using some form of social media to connect with consumers. Furthermore, surveys suggest that consumers are increasingly relying on social media to learn about unfamiliar brands,” according to the American Marketing Association (AMA) journal. Social media can make information more accessible but it can also shape much deeper issues such as appearance and sexuality. A blog called the “Literary Blues” by Tristan Naraine  goes further into this idea, raising important issues about what social media potentiates. Naraine talks about how with popular social figures and celebrities, there are indirect social constructs being built around a person’s appearance and their gender that pushes norms on younger audiences by providing images of what can be interpreted to be “good” or “ideal” (Cardinal Times). We often find ourselves Googling something we want and discovering new brands and new things that we want. Most love online shopping, and that can be a big way that we conform to others. For example, When you shop on Amazon, you may often find yourself seeing a section that would say something like “customers that viewed this also viewed”. This is conformity in itself. You are being lumped in with others that may have viewed that product, and while it may not be a destructive use of conformity, it is still making it difficult for us to be individuals. Since Amazon is run by people who are paid, why would they want to go through each and every person when they have dozens of millions of people shopping on their site every day? They wouldn’t. You could be wondering what kind of conformity this book is focusing on. It’s called compliance. “Compliance is an outward behaviour in which a person goes along with the attitudes and viewpoints of the majority in order to be socially accepted. The person does not actually share the attitudes and viewpoints, he/she is merely appearing to do so. An example might be expressing a political viewpoint when you are with a group that share that viewpoint even though you do not believe it yourself, or perhaps even saying you like a particular musician or band when you do not but your friends do. It is a shallow behaviour with the single aim of public acceptance.” (PsychTeacher). When thinking about this, you can truly see that Compliance is a form of conformity and that Ray Bradbury was right: our society is full of it.

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of Technology: Part II

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of Technology: Part II

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As was discussed in a previous chapter, so much of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 contains different themes of conformity, especially in social media and the news. Even if this story didn’t contain Facebook and Twitter accounts, Bradbury still knew what he was talking about when it comes to what our society would have, and did, turn into. One problem with social media and conformity is that it affects many children and teens on a regular basis. Things like advertisements and posts on social media make it so much easier to get it into the minds of kids, which are still forming. This is especially detrimental to their education. This is because when education is harmed, then the students begin to just focus on all of these other miniscule things, like social media. “There is a wider problem of young people’s education. Their teachers are not instructed on how to promote tolerance among the students. If we don’t change that, the physical bans of these groups will be futile.” (The Global Impact of Social Media). Although this book only talks about the impact of social media and may not necessarily focus on the problem that is conformity, it still applies. When it comes to conformity, it can apply to many different things, including the issue of different forms of social media. When it comes to teens, they are especially susceptible to conformity when it comes to those around them. When it comes to today, we are all our own people, and everyone does want to be their own person, but at the same time, we find ourselves not wanting to be ostracized for being ourselves, and then we go into groups. Even if it is subconscious, it still happens very often. It can even happen when it comes to things like business. “Social media sharing can play an important role in increasing brand awareness, but marketers should use caution when incorporating sharing features into mass customization programs. Our results show that feedback dampens creativity, reduces originality, and diminishes customer satisfaction. Companies that do include sharing features in a DIY system should, at a minimum, closely monitor how the sharing affects consumer choices and be on the alert for downsides.” (hbr.org). Now this quote can show different things. First off, it shows that conformity can apply in many different shapes in forms, not just in public or in a classroom. When it comes to social media, it can also be used for many different things. In this case, it can be used for advertisements or brand awareness. When people see an advertisement, if they don’t like it, and they voice it to someone who does like it, the person who does like it might just say that they like it as well, in fear of being ostracized or scolded by the other person, even if this isn’t realistic. An article from  The Independent  by Grace Fearon supports the idea that social media is a direct cause of decreased individuality among young people. “Yet, far from a true reflection of our character,” writes Fearon, “perhaps our identity within society can become a carefully constructed illusion. Think about your own social media accounts, for instance – are they an honest representation of yourself? Or are you, perhaps, even unwittingly creating an image that is socially enhancing, one that will allow you to be perceived as popular or well-liked?” From my personal experience this can ring very true as I’ve noticed people close to me change to conform to a societal expectation.” (hbr.org). People do tend to conform to society’s expectations, and this is especially true when it comes to teens.

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of Technology : Part I

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Chapter 3: Modern Day Toxicity of Technology : Part I

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Conformity can be defined as “compliance or acquiescence; obedience.” (Dictionary.com). This can be considered true in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, as well as in our everyday society and lives. Every day we become more and more digital, as well as more and more influenced by one another. When it comes to being influenced by one another, we often find ourselves submitting to what others think or believe, even if it isn’t what we believe ourselves. “Researchers based in England, the United States, and France recently came out with a study suggesting that a natural inclination to be a member of the in-crowd can leave animals overly dependent on the organisms surrounding them. Using mathematical models to observe how a group of animals in nature collectively process new information, the team discovered that individuals were heavily reliant on conforming to the decisions of those around them, even when those decisions were less than optimal in the context of a changing environment.” (Pacific Standard). When putting this quote into consideration, you can see that other animals (besides humans) also conform to their own groups. Although there may occasionally be one green apple out of the basket filled with red apples, it is still unlikely that someone would be willing to go off with their own thoughts and own feelings and experiences. When it comes to our world, with everything happening and everything constantly changing and everyone around us trying to adapt, it can be easier to try to huddle in with the others and be like everyone else. No one likes to be ostracized for being different, so people choose to not be. Bradbury’s novel illustrates this in a helpful way that makes it easier to see that even if we don’t like it, in many ways we are the same people. Whether that may be we chose the same thing for lunch or we all went to the office because our teacher gave us all a poor grade on an assignment. “An article from  The Independent  by Grace Fearon supports the idea that social media is a direct cause of decreased individuality among young people. “Yet, far from a true reflection of our character,” writes Fearon, “perhaps our identity within society can become a carefully constructed illusion. Think about your own social media accounts, for instance – are they an honest representation of yourself? Or are you, perhaps, even unwittingly creating an image that is socially enhancing, one that will allow you to be perceived as popular or well-liked?” From my personal experience this can ring very true as I’ve noticed people close to me change to conform to a societal expectation” (Cardinal Times). This shows that sometimes, people don’t even really know if they are conforming with the crowd, being considered “popular” etc. We are all influenced by the crowd, and Bradbury’s prediction of this was much more than true.

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When it comes to everyday life, we are all influenced by and influences to each other. No matter on what platform, everyone else is always a main concern in our heads. This is no different in Fahrenheit 451. Even though we are all influenced by each other, some may not even notice it.

“People don’t talk about anything”

“Oh, they must!” (Bradbury, page 28).

This quote between Clarisse and Montag show that although we are influenced by others and their words and actions, we often don't even realize it. Clarisse is the symbol of that voice that opened Montag’s eyes about what is really going on in his society. As stated in the previous chapter, we all have that voice that may tell us what we are doing wrong, but sometimes, it’s what opens our eyes to what is truly going on in certain situations. In Bradbury’s novel, Clarisse is that voice. Especially if you consider some theories about the book, such as Clarisse not existing at all, but really is only a figment of Montag’s imagination. She was truly what woke him up to what was wrong with this society, and that’s the huge part about conformity. Even if some think that the voice in your head is simply nagging and doesn’t actually know what it’s talking about, sometimes it does. You could compare this to getting advice from a parent about going to a party and then getting angry and saying that they “just don’t understand” when they say no. When in reality, they do understand, you just have to step away from the influence of others and see the truth in the situation. Another quote that supports this is “He felt he wanted to cry, but nothing would happen to his eyes or his mouth” (Bradbury, page 73). This quote supports my point because Montag lives in a society that doesn’t really feel true emotion. The only one they feel are feelings of depression and anxiety, but they are blocked out in pursuit of this fake happiness they want to achieve. No one in this society realizes that sometimes, the answer isn’t with others. It is with yourself. The same goes for the modern world. We often attempt to get answers from everyone who isn’t qualified, or believe that those that are qualified aren’t really at all. We all simply need to look within ourselves, to be able to avoid becoming like Bradbury’s novel and its society.

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There are many ways that Ray Bradbury’s futuristic society can be related to ours in one way or another. These different forms of media can have a long-lasting effect on our emotions. When it comes to things talked about in the previous chapter (bullying), it shows that when people are only focused on the different computer screens and cell phones in front of them, they don’t care about other people and their own emotions anymore. Although you may think they would be compassionate when you are truly trying to tell them how you feel and why, or the reason for an action, they aren’t compassionate at all. The following quotes between Mildred and Guy Montag from Fahrenheit 451 can show one way people don’t really care anymore, and how short their attention span has become when it comes to other people.

“And yet I kept sitting there saying to myself, I’m not happy, I’m not happy.”

“I am.”

“I’m going to do something. I don’t even know what yet, but I’m going to do something big.”

“I’m tired of listening to this junk” (Bradbury, page 62).

When it comes to this passage in the book, it shows that although Montag seems to be up to something, his wife could honestly care less. She is so used to listen to the not-so-interesting stuff on the radio and from her “family” that it is the only thing she likes to hear now. Mildred in this case can symbolize all the things that we tend to give our attention to, instead of giving it to others. All the negatives, all the problems in life, the little voice in your head that tells you to worry about the littlest of problems. Mildred is truly a symbol of an antagonist, but really just one in yourself. It is truly that voice that tells you what you are doing isn’t worth it. This story is a lot like us in the way that we are so focused on that little voice that really amounts to nothing in your head, but to you, it means the world. When we listen too much to that little voice telling us our faults and the faults of others, you don’t stop and look at what is really important. That is where the attention span goes. Where no one can see it but these little superfluous things that really aren’t going to matter two weeks down the road. Another quote that supports this point is from Bradbury’s book. “We’re headed right for a cliff” (Bradbury, page 63). This quote shows that Mildred does represent this negative voice, because although Montag begs and pleads with his wife, she calls Captain Beatty regardless, and ends up getting herself killed by doing so, even if it was later on. This can once again represent how negative we can be, and how sometimes those negative hunches really shouldn’t amount to anything. While this is a fiction story, day by day we stray further from what’s good in this world, and that is the love and support from each other.

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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury has many different showings of the subject of conformity, especially in the world of social media and constantly being watched by the media accounts around you. When it comes to this story, social media can be compared to fire in Fahrenheit 451. When it comes to fire, it can be just as destructive as any social media platform. It is the reason why so many are bullied (i.e. cyberbullying). When it comes to these social media “outlets” of our freedom of speech, they are often abused. Although most people know that social media can do more harm than good for us and our society, we are all still drawn to it. “No matter what age we are, what draws us to it?” (Bradbury, page 109). This quote from Captain Beatty shows that even though fire may be a symbol for our society and the way we treat others and the way we act, everyone is still drawn to it, even if it means that it hurts others and even the person acting that way. Even if one person thinks it's wrong, and they come away from the spectrum, most are often bullied back into conforming to society. Even if they don’t conform to it by force, many will just sort of find their way back to the crowd, because being alone isn’t a fun thought to a lot of people. Another aspect is that no matter how much people believe they have a handle on it, fire can not be completely controlled, and so neither can social media and the gossip spread through talk, text, or posts on these various sites. Even if many in Fahrenheit 451 didn’t use social media, things were still spread through the “families” and the wall tvs and the news shows and practically every aspect of everything they have ever been told. So this shows that we are becoming more like this society, even if we don’t realize it. Even though they are causing so much damage, that they don’t even seem to notice. Everyone except for Montag. “Why do people want to hurt people? Not enough hurt in the world, you got to tease people with stuff like that!” (Bradbury, pg 97). This quote further proves the point that people will do pretty much anything to make themselves feel better, even if it hurts others, and social media is also a big part of that, especially in today’s world.

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Maia Dutra
Mrs. Jenkins
English 10-7
5/7/18

BEWARE: READING THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES IS AGAINST THE LAW, SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

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When it comes to Ray Bradbury’s work, Fahrenheit 451, the issue of conformity and societal expectations are portrayed through his narrative in many ways, but especially when it comes to different daily aspects of life like social media being such an influence on us and we as humans being afraid of society’s expectations due to the actions, thoughts, and comments of others.

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"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note." - Doug Floyd