College students tend to overestimate how many of their peers are

Question

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Studies have shown that college students tend to overestimate how many of their peers are using alcohol, smoking, and using illicit drugs. This phenomenon is known as pluralistic ignorance or the false consensus effect. Students may believe that their peers are engaging in more risky behaviors than they actually are, leading to a normalization of these behaviors and potentially encouraging their own engagement in them.

College Students Tend to Overestimate How Many of Their Peers