According to social impact theory, what influences conformity?

Social impact theory posits that conformity is influenced by three key factors: the size of the group, the importance of the group to the individual, and the immediacy of the group's presence. When individuals perceive a group as larger, more significant, and more immediate, their likelihood of conforming to the group's norms or behaviors increases.

The size of the group is crucial since larger groups tend to create a stronger pressure to conform, as the presence of more members provides a sense of consensus. Importance refers to how much value or significance an individual places on the group, which can stem from a desire for acceptance or a belief in the group's values. Finally, immediacy pertains to the closeness or direct presence of the group, which can amplify the perceived pressure to conform, as direct interaction tends to heighten social influence.

Understanding these factors helps to explain why and how individuals adapt their behaviors and attitudes to align with those of a group, solidifying the idea that social dynamics play a critical role in shaping conformity behaviors.