Poll: Polls and mob mentality.

[RatRace123]

Do you ever notice that in a thread with a poll even if you have a differing opinion you'll find yourself agreeing with what the more popular answer seems to be.
If so, then you may fall sway to mob mentality, that part of our minds that want to fit in with the group.

I've found that if I don't feel quite as strongly about the issue presented I'll tend to go with the popular opinion, even if I don't exactly agree with it. If I answer a poll question and my answer is the unpopular one, I become a bit more hesitant to express my opinion in the comments section. I guess I don't feel it's worth the potential argument.

Anyone else feel this way?

 

[Marter]

No...I don't let other people's opinions, particularly those from a poll, influence my own.

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

If I don't feel strongly about something, then I say as much, I don't take one extreme or the other :/
I've had enough things decided for me by other people, so I'm not about to go with what is popular if I don't have an opinion >.>
I'll stay neutral until I make my choice >.>

 

[Lilani]

Not at all. I find polls to be a way to take my opinion and objectively compare it to the masses. If my opinion doesn't measure up, then I'm at least satisfied with the knowledge that my vote was one hit against "the mob."

 

[Cursed Frogurt]

Mob mentality only really works when you're actually in the company of others. Social implications are practically void online when compared to being in a test focus group or being one of many bystanders during a violent incident.

 

[zehydra]

Same. If I feel that the majority opinion goes against mine, I probably will post in defense of the minority opinion. If the majority opinion is with me, then I usually don't feel a need to post at all.

Btw, Corndogs ARE awesome, despite the current results of the poll, lol.

 

[zehydra]

Mob mentality only really works when you're actually in the company of others. Social implications are practically void online when compared to being in a test focus group or being one of many bystanders during a violent incident.

What about Memes?

 

[Dags90]

Not at all. I find polls to be a way to take my opinion and objectively compare it to the masses. If my opinion doesn't measure up, then I'm at least satisfied with the knowledge that my vote was one hit against "the mob."

Also, don't most polls start with blank poll options? You have to go out of your way to even look at the results to vote.

Sometimes on these forums I "vote for the worst" if I don't care that much. Especially on leading polls.

 

[DefunctTheory]

Mob mentality only really works when you're actually in the company of others. Social implications are practically void online when compared to being in a test focus group or being one of many bystanders during a violent incident.

What about Memes?

Collective jokes are a far cry from mob mentality.

Unless your talking about Dawkins meme, in which case, an argument could be made that the internet could facilitate such a scenario. I doubt polls would be a significant factor however.

As for the original question, no.

My opinions are my own and I do not alter them for an audience. I wouldn't get suspended/put on probation so much otherwise.

EDIT: Bold text edit.

 

[Girl With One Eye]

Nope, I always say what I really think, even if it does lead to uncessary inbox rape.

Also, what's a corndog??

 

[DefunctTheory]

Nope, I always say what I really think, even if it does lead to uncessary inbox rape.

Also, what's a corndog??

Really?

 

[BRex21]

Im an opinionated jackass with too much free time in the work day. Not going with the flow gives me someone to shout at.

 

[Anarchemitis]

"A person is smart. People are dumb, vicious crazy animals and you know it."
-Kay, Men in Black.

 

[Sticky Squid]

I'm rather disappointed they don't sell corn dogs where I live, had one on holiday and really liked it.

 

[lacktheknack]

Ewww, corndogs.

Oh look, that's the consensus. Huh.

It really doesn't bother me to follow or defy the crowd. I'm me, why should I be ashamed of that?

 

[Nerdygamer89]

*Five page evolutionary theory on how conforming with the group tends to bolster one's own chances of survival in the long term*

Short version: it's a natural, instinctual human response.

 

[FalloutJack]

Do you ever notice that in a thread with a poll even if you have a differing opinion you'll find yourself agreeing with what the more popular answer seems to be.
If so, then you may fall sway to mob mentality, that part of our minds that want to fit in with the group.

I've found that if I don't feel quite as strongly about the issue presented I'll tend to go with the popular opinion, even if I don't exactly agree with it. If I answer a poll question and my answer is the unpopular one, I become a bit more hesitant to express my opinion in the comments section. I guess I don't feel it's worth the potential argument.

Anyone else feel this way?

My opinions are my own. If you don't agree, then...you have different opinions. So, any flow I happen to be going with is not via the influence of a mob. It's basically a coincidence.

 

[Plurralbles]

not really.

Because I have no incentive to agree with any of you therefore my opinion doesn't change based on who's saying theirs the most.

It only works if I care what you think.

Also Corndogs suck.

 

[Who Dares Wins]

Nope, I always say what I really think, even if it does lead to uncessary inbox rape.

Also, what's a corndog??

Really?

I don't get it. Could someone elaborate?

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

No, my opinion is my own, and I make it myself. And corndogs are indeed awesome.