Symbolic social influence can prevent us from acting in ways that may harm us.

Question

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Symbolic social influence refers to the influence that other people's words, attitudes, and actions have on our own beliefs and behaviors. It can prevent us from acting in ways that may harm us because we often conform to the norms and behaviors of the social group we belong to. In other words, we may avoid certain actions or behaviors that contradict the social norms that we perceive as important to our identity and status in the group. This can help us avoid social rejection or negative social consequences, which may act as a deterrent against harmful behavior.

Symbolic Social Influence Can Prevent Us from Acting in Ways