We all tend to conformism out of fear of “not being like everyone else.” It is important to be aware of this in order to be more responsible in the choices we make.
We often answer obvious questions in the same way as most of the people around us. Even if their opinion is clearly wrong! Our tendency to conformism is associated with the peculiarity of the work of the insular lobe of the brain, psychologists at Princeton University (USA)* explain. This area of the cerebral cortex is responsible for emotional reactions: when our opinions do not coincide with the views of other people, the insular lobe regards this situation as a threat to our self-esteem. There is a feeling of vague discomfort that dulls our willpower and ability to think rationally. But in matters of principle, having your own voice is more important than showing solidarity. After all, it is through personal choice that we define ourselves! Let’s remember this before putting the ballot in the ballot box.
* PLoSONE, 2013, vol. 8, № 1.