What are your views on popularity? (Multiple questions inside)

[President Moocow]

So since my main focus of study is based on social sciences, I've been looking especially at the concept of popularity amongst social groups and how it works so I have a few questions: (Note: feel free to omit any question if you don't feel like answering). This isn't for any sort of formal survey or study (naturally, nothing here will be recorded), just a way for me to get a general idea on the subject (also, I'm curious!). So here:

1. In social situations in general (not just school), do you feel there is often some form of social hierarchy that dictates popularity? If so, what activity or trait do you think is the basis for such hierarchy? and where do you feel you are situated and why?

2. Do you feel that people high in popularity tend to act positively or negatively towards other? Please explain.

3. Do you aspire to be high in popularity or do you reject the idea? (In either case, please explain)

4. If given the opportunity to be at the top of a social hierarchy and you got to choose the values it was based on, would you take it? Why? or why not?

4a) (if yes) What qualities, activities or traits would your hierarchy be based on?(example: video game prowess) how would you treat those who follow your views? how would you treat those who resent your status?

5. Do you feel popular groups (in general) are inclusive or exclusive of others? Why?

6. Do you think that every social group follows some sort of hierarchy? If not, then what takes the place?

7. Do you feel that a society is better off with or without some social hierarchy that dictates popularity? Why or why not?

8. Do you feel that popular people treat others differently than they would if they were not popular? Why or why not?

9. Do you believe that anyone could potentially be popular depending on the social group? Why or why not?

Thanks!

 

[Julianking93]

I was never really popular until 8th grade. It was pretty cool. I was friends with everyone but after moving, I now have no friends and most people at the school hated me.

1. Yes, usually, at least in my town. The jocks and football team are the people who are worshiped in my town. Im the sensitive artsy kid so I was pretty low on the hierarchy.

2. I feel people who are more popular usually tend to treat others like shit. They think they're better than everyone else and they show it.

3. I reject any popularity. Even when I became friends with almost everyone in school, I wasn't smug about it and I would much rather just have a small group of friends.

4. No, because it might end up making me an ass.

I'll skip to 7. Society is better without it but its inevitable for society to think this way about others. People always judge others and some are at the top of social parties while others are at the very bottom.

 

[kurshindo]

Popularity is all a hoax. The popular one is actually the most unstable of the group. They just know how to kiss a$$ better.

Being cool is subject to interpretation. I consider cool to be doing what is right and not caring if others scorn you for it.

 

[President Moocow]

Thankyou for the responses. It's interesting to see some of the feedback and so I've also added a question

Popularity is all a hoax. The popular one is actually the most unstable of the group. They just know how to kiss a$$ better.

Being cool is subject to interpretation. I consider cool to be doing what is right and not caring if others scorn you for it.

Is there any chance you could express your view as answers to the question? It's hard for me to get the full picture on just one morale.

 

[FactualSquirrel]

My answers:

Spoiler

1. In social situations in general (not just school), do you feel there is often some form of social hierarchy that dictates popularity? If so, what activity or trait do you think is the basis for such hierarchy? and where do you feel you are situated and why?

Yes, they must be douchbags

2. Do you feel that people high in popularity tend to act positively or negatively towards other? Please explain.

See above answer.

3. Do you aspire to be high in popularity or do you reject the idea? (In either case, please explain)

I reject, 'cos I'm not a douchebag

4. If given the opportunity to be at the top of a social hierarchy and you got to choose the values it was based on, would you take it? Why? or why not?

No, I don't like pressure

4a) (if yes) What qualities, activities or traits would your hierarchy be based on?(example: video game prowess) how would you treat those who follow your views? how would you treat those who resent your status?

On intelligence.

5. Do you feel popular groups are inclusive or exclusive? Why?

Inclusive.

Otherwise they wouldn't be popular.

Duh.

6. Do you think that every social group follows some sort of hierarchy? If not, then what takes the place?

Yes, because they have to.

Finally, 7. Do you feel that a society is better off with or without some social hierarchy that dictates popularity? Why or why not?

Yes, because otherwise there would be nothing social, because it's required.

Thanks!

You're welcome.

(don't take this seriously, as I'm tired.

 

[Disaster Button]

When I was younger I used to crave popularity and wish to be one of the popular kids. I gradually realised being myself was more important and I made a lot more meaningful friends that way. Anyway...

1. I think there used to be a very big heirarchy but now that we're in college there's virtually none, or none that I realise.

2. People in 'popular positions' seem to be incredibly bitchy and whine all the damn time, the girls especially, but there are a few who are genuinely very nice people.

3. Like I said earlier I prefer being myself now to being popular or acting how people expect you to act.

4. I'd tell people to be themselves, although thats slightly contradictory as then they'd be doing it because I told them. So I suppose there isn't really a lot I could say. Acting like yourself has to be something you want to naturally do.

5. I think they only include those that share similar values to them: vanity, shallowness, bitchiness, etc. Which all seems really uninteresting to me, although not everyone is like that. In college its more of I'll be your friend if I like you, in most situations. Although there's still a lot of judgement, bitching.

6. Maybe not a heirarchy but usually in groups there are people who speak more than others for whatever reason.

7. I think it'd be better if everyone just ingored popularity because then it would stop people mixing with others outside their clique.

8. I think they treat people who aren't as popular as them as tools or look down on them for the most part.

9. Most people could be popular depending on the group with or without being true to themselves. Not that'd it would be all that worth it.

 

[kurshindo]

1. The only hierarchy is who sets up where to go/what to do and is it what others want to do as well.

2. Those in positions tend to feel entitlement to their efforts to become the center and therfore believe they can treat other inferiorly when the actual truth is they created that void themselves.

3. I prefer to just have fun. I invite those whom I enjoy being around and they do the same. If you aren't fun to be around and prefer to sit, do nothing, be a jerk/*****/whatever, then people will only invite you to add drama to the equation.

4. There is no top. Only sheeple looking for someone to follow cause they don't believe enough in themselves.

5. These so called groups are nothing more than friends only letting in those they want to. Why waste time trying to be with people who don't want you around?

6. Social groups are organized chaos. Its simply who organizes the next group thing first.

7. Artificially created to divert your attention from the things that matter. Believing in yourself to be better than who you were before and helping others.

8. See 2.

9. If you keep worrying about this "popularity problem," you are simply wasting precious time you could be using to be who you are and having the conviction to do what is right and not what is "popular."

 

[President Moocow]

Thanks, kurshindo, for developing your answer but please understand that I'm not "worried" about any of this stuff. Just curious and interested on how it works. I know myself pretty well, I just want to figure out how this world and all it's people work.

 

[NoNameMcgee]

I'm only gonna answer a few because I can't wrap my head around some of your questions. Read: I'm stupid

2. Do you feel that people high in popularity tend to act positively or negatively towards other? Please explain. I'm not going to stereotype a whole group of people. That's exactly why some people sneer at popular people, because "they hate anyone who's not one of them". Well let's not hate on them either, I know a bunch of people who would be considered popular and they're nice people.

3. Do you aspire to be high in popularity or do you reject the idea? (In either case, please explain) I don't aspire to be high in popularity, but I like people knowing me and enjoying my company, and I hate it when people dislike me (though I get over it). So I think overall I like the idea of popularity. Usually I play the middle man; I have friends who are popular and friends who are unpopular, as such I don't really have a 'group' of friends but I think I'm easy to get along with. I like it this way.

4. If given the opportunity to be at the top of a social hierarchy and you got to choose the values it was based on, would you take it? Why? or why not? Yes I would! Why? I guess because I like people, and I like attention to be honest. Not that I actively seek attention but I do enjoy being in the spotlight and people noticing me. That's just the way I am. So popularity is appealing.

The fact is I don't fit in any kind of social group. My interests, personality and tastes are too scattered, varied, to allow me to fit in with one group of people.

 

[Kingemoney]

1. Yes, in my hometown, it seemed like popularity was largely based on income. The kids with rich parents were the popular ones. I was at the bottom of this hierachy, as I spent most of my early life in poverty.

2. Negatively. Those who had money in my hometown largely mocked and ridiculed those who didn't. (i.e. me.)

3. I don't care about popularity...I think the dedication of the friends you have is more important than the quantity.

4. Yes, I would create my own social hierarchy.

4a) It would be based on personal integrity. Screw those who don't have any.


I'd answer the rest but I feel like my answers would be largely uninteresting.

 

[Pimppeter2]

1. Yes. It exists everywhere, Even on the forums

2. Positively. People of lower popularity tend to resent them for no reason.

3. I have always been pretty popular my entire life

4. Depends

4a) Being funny

5. Inclusive.

6. Most of them do

7. No it is not better. Because then we would be commies (I kid)

8. Not really. But they may just not address them as often

9. Yes. It all depends on the way they act.

 

[Soxafloppin]

1. I do, and i think im pretty likeable.

2. Positively, no one likes a downer.

3. I just be myself and accept who likes me.

4. no

4a) N/A

5. Inclusive, As that makes them more likable and therefore, more popular

6. I dont, i think its just a bunch of friends being friends.

7. I dont think there is one

8. Well yes, its more fun to poke fun at losers.

9. Well a dragon slayer could indeed be very popular among his D&D peers.

 

[awsome117]

I don't really want to answer these, as I feel this who thing is flawed. Let me explain. When I was younger, I was never "popular". I spent a lot of days alone, and I hated it cause I wanted to be "popular".

Once I moved however, it was a whole different story. I made some friends from all different social groups, and I've learned about "popularity". I think I'm quit popular in my group of friends, and I (we) don't do drugs and crap like that (although some play sports, which isn't bad or anything).

Anyway, what is "popular" is different for everybody.

Also, their will also be someone at the top. Laws of nature. For better, or for worse, we need someone "above" us.

That's my little rant right there, take it as you wish.

 

[Insanum]

1. In social situations in general (not just school), do you feel there is often some form of social hierarchy that dictates popularity? If so, what activity or trait do you think is the basis for such hierarchy? and where do you feel you are situated and why?

No. The only examples i can think of are if you're in a group of friends which are also you're colleagues. in groups of friend where you are all of the same "social stature" so to speak (i.e all students, etc) there isn't really a leader.

2. Do you feel that people high in popularity tend to act positively or negatively towards other? Please explain.

...It depends on the people. Some people let the popularity go to their heads & act like jerks, others are not spoken too due to a false reputation.

3. Do you aspire to be high in popularity or do you reject the idea? (In either case, please explain)

I aspire to have many connections to further myself as a person, but to have a close group of friends as well. Popularity just means you have a lot of people who like you, It doesnt mean you are the "leader", as may be seen in high school.

4. If given the opportunity to be at the top of a social hierarchy and you got to choose the values it was based on, would you take it? Why? or why not?

Yes, Because being in a group of friends with similar values is never a bad thing.

4a) (if yes) What qualities, activities or traits would your hierarchy be based on?(example: video game prowess) how would you treat those who follow your views? how would you treat those who resent your status?

Gaming, Guitaring, Etc. Most likely similar music tastes. Those who have the same views as me would be treated as those who do not, but the former would be invited to more group based activities based on my views.

5. Do you feel popular groups (in general) are inclusive or exclusive of others? Why?

If you fit the same catagories/views as the group, then i cannot see why you wouldn't be accepted.

6. Do you think that every social group follows some sort of hierarchy? If not, then what takes the place?

No...What takes place? Is difficult to say. Some may think they are better than others, But there wouldnt be someone at the "top of the tree"

7. Do you feel that a society is better off with or without some social hierarchy that dictates popularity? Why or why not?

...Its difficult to say. It doesnt matter if the social stature has one or not, It is if there is power involved do things need..."organising".

8. Do you feel that popular people treat others differently than they would if they were not popular? Why or why not?

Some would. Some wouldnt. Depends what kind of person they are.

9. Do you believe that anyone could potentially be popular depending on the social group? Why or why not?

...I have no idea.

 

[ygetoff]

I don't give a shit.

It's other peoples biases, why should they matter to me?

Actually, I'll answer in full

1. There is definitely one, but I don't follow it. It's to do with primitive instincts about Alpha-males and pack dominance. Totally outdated and useless.

2. It varies, sometimes the group together because they're afraid of losing the popularity, other times they're in direct competition.

3. See my opening statement.

4. I think despite my hate for it, it's impossible to not have one. So yes.

4a) I would have each person valued by their contribution to intelligent diiscourse, but not exclude those who don't. As for those who resent it, they're entirely entitled to their opinion.

5. Inclusive, people judge others by first impressions. It's very different to convince people otherwise.

6.No, my friend group has never had any leader or Alpha. We just mutually enjoy each others company.

Finally, 7. It would be better off without, but I'm not sure if that's possible.

Your answer to six is impossible. There is no such thing as a group without some sort of "leader" personality pulling it and keeping it together. Even if the influence is slight, it's still there. It's admittedly harder to notice if you "belong" to more than one group at the same time. In all honesty, if you don't notice the influence figure, it's probably you.

 

[x0ny]

1. Yes. Being helpful and hardworking around the work place, the willingness to help others and dealing with problems effectively.

2. Positively, constantly helping others, be it personal or professional issues.

3. I don't try to be popular, I only try to be helpful and hardworking. Becoming popular would be a bonus.

4. Yes, I enjoy the challenges and pressure because everyone looks up to you to make decisions.

4a) Hard working, well mannered and polite, helpful, and friendly.

5. Depends on the group, if it were my group I'd openly welcome others who match the necessary qualities, otherwise we'd invite them in and try to alter them to match us.

6. No, some social groups have everyone as equals.

7. Better off without, though a leader is essential, otherwise the group would run the risk of becoming a bunch of lost sheep.

8. Would really have to depend on the person, some become drunk with power.

9. Yes anyone can, you just have to play "the game" well. Ass kissing moderately normally gets a promotion. Otherwise you can take a shortcut and just sleep with your boss.

 

[electric_warrior]

1. Outward friendliness and confidence is a main factor. I'm only really outwardly friendly and confident in some situations, so a fair few people like me quite a lot and some people dislike me a lot. But I don't blame them, I'm not very outwardly friendly. I've got a close circle of seven or eight friends, all of whom are considered popular. I'm probably the least widely liked, but I'm better liked than most people in my year and enough people like me to keep me happy.

2. At my age they mostly act positively, but then I'm in one of the more popular groups so...

3. Don't care rightly, just so long as my friends and the few people I actually care about like me I'm good.

4. No, who has time for that many people?

5. The groups in my school are generally quite nice really on the grand scale of things, even to the nerdier kids.

6. Dominance switches according to who has the highest self esteem. I used to be near the top, but now am middling in my group.

7. Well that wouldn't be a society, more a loose association of equal people not distinguished by the merits of their personality; those who are generally nice, tend to have more friends than the kids considered popular even if they aren't thought of as being "popular"

8) pass

9. I'm a fairly good example of this; I went to 7 parties in december... SEVEN!! and I'm actually pretty shy, so this is fairly surpising. I've always had friends, but I make even more friends because my friends are friends with them, then they get to know me and end up liking me. Now I'm not saying I'm popular, but enough people seem to like me despite my antisocial tendencies (I don't even have facebook!) for me to tentatively say that, yeah, anyone can be popular in the right situation.

In conclusion, I do want some people to like me and anyone who says otherwise is a dick, a poser and probably has no friends anyway. I do not, however, seek the approval of absolutely everyone, just the people I actually care about. Popularity does seem to be based on the person who's most of an extrovert when you're younger, but as you get older the more popular people tend to be the nicer people and the extrovert dickheads are exposed for what they are: dickheads.

 

[MrLumber]

1. The one who becomes most popular will do so based on if they have a leader personality alone. This happens because they are so outgoing, and in result will be known by the most people. People will gravitate, either with hating or love, towards this person. This person will become popular now as about 80% (or so I estimate) of people (at least Americans) have follower personalities.

2. I know plenty of both.

3. I don't enjoy being harassed by people I neither respect or enjoy, and I don't experience either of these with the majority of people. So no.

4. I would if only for the opportunity to control what people look up to. Mainly individuality, and a mind for progress and contribution.

5. It really depends on the group and who is at the head.

6. Mostly, it again depends on the group, I know mine doesn't.

7. Micro no. Macro yes, but only if good traits are revered.

8. No, they will always treat people close to them better, and not so close worse. Much like regular people.

9. No, follower personalities are incapable of becoming popular as they are less capable of independency.

 

[zen5887]

I find this topic quite intresting. I have often found myself thinking about post-highschool cliques and popularity. Onto the questions =)


1. There is but it is much diffrent to high school. The social hierarchy in post highschool life is based part on your efectiveness at what you do (in my example, as a musician, the best musician will be the one you want to talk to) and part being a cool guy (even if you're an awesome guitarist, no one will want to know you if your a dick).

2. I have found that people in a high position act positivley towards others, mostly because the people I consider 'popular' are nice people. Again, this is diffrent to the highschool way of thinking.

3. Neither, I don't go out of my way to be popular, nor do I go out of my way to be UNpopular. But I try as hard as I can to be a nice guy, if this makes me popular then so be it.

4. I'm quite happy being where I am in my current social climate. I have friends, I know everyone and get along with most of them. But if I could go back and rise to the top of the highschool social hierarchy, I would as I fee I could change its 'values' for the better.

4a) I would bring the focus away from looks and athletic ability and focus more on not-being-a-dick. I feel a lot of highschool students lack that ever important trait.

5. In general I would have to say exclusive. I feel that unless you share common intrests, its hard to 'get in'

6. I think they do, but each group would weigh the importance of such a thing diffrenty.

7. I think it is indiffrent, post highschool people are able to decide for themselves, without peer presure, if they want to take notice of the hierarchy or not.

The last two questions I can't answer.. haha my brain is far to burnt out =P

Good thread!

 

[Dr. wonderful]

Fuck popularity.

DO some crazy shit and love yourself. That my motto.