Hi 🙂
We are a group of UCSB college students, and we’re here to inform you about nonconformity and what that means for you. Nonconformity is the idea of NOT following other’s path, but rather creating your own path based on your own opinions. Basically, we just want you to be yourself!!!
Down below is a video of ourselves introducing this blog!
ENJOY!!!
http://m.memegen.com/5rq5ki.jpg
As Dr.Seuss said, “Today you are you, and that’s truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.”
Poll
Before we begin, let’s take a short quiz/poll that’ll teach you guys a bit more about non-conformity and how it affects you and your classmates.
After answering these questions, and looking at the results many of you might have experienced what is called Conformity. You’re not alone! Most individuals at one point have experienced this, even us. When looking back at how we were at your age, we realized that there were many moments where we followed what was “popular,” even when we didn’t want to.
We’re here to say that you don’t have to do something if you don’t want to. You have a say on how you wish to live your life, regardless of what others think. For example, there were times when I wanted to raise my hand in class, but I was too scared and worried about what other’s would think about my opinions. Being unique is actually great and we encourage you all to embrace your differences.
http://www.quotemaster.org/group+influence
Scientific Research
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103116307715#s0150
Wait, what is that graph, you might ask?
Basically there was a study done called “Popularity, Likeability, and Peer Conformity: Four Field Experiments.”
The graph above shows how the researchers found out how students between the ages of 12 to 15 go against what they believe in just to feel included. Even though they might not agree with what the popular kids do or say, they’ll still try to copy it.
In another research study titled “Neighborhood norms and substance use among teens” researchers created a sample of children from the ages 12 to 17 for their study. Neighborhood norms are the kind of activities and attitudes that are common among people who are living in the same community or neighborhood.
Researchers predicted that the kids who were more socially involved in their neighborhood would follow the beliefs and behaviors of their neighbors, even when it involved bad things such as drugs and alcohol.
Scenarios:
Here are some real life examples of things that could possibly happen to you:
1.You come across a t-shirt at a store that you really like, but you don’t think it’s “trendy” enough.
Try it on!
I remember I once wore a Harry Potter shirt to school, and that’s how I met one of my best friends because she also liked Harry Potter. She would never have talked to me if she hadn’t seen me wearing that shirt. And I would have missed out on such an amazing friendship.
Who knows maybe you’ll also make a new friend or start your own fashion trend.
2. You’re having a class discussion on a book that you really enjoy, but you’re too scared to participate and say “the wrong thing.”
There are no wrong answers. Teachers will appreciate hearing your opinion. Trust us!
Everybody’s voice matters!
3. Your friend group asks you to skip class with them, but you don’t want to.
Don’t fall into peer pressure!
No one should pressure you to do things you don’t want to do. At the time it might seem like a difficult decision because you want to feel accepted, but at the end of the day you will also have to face the consequences.
As a final note, we just wanted to present to you all this video of ourselves wishing you all the best of luck! Not following trends will never lead to you being lonely. There is always someone out there who feels and thinks the same way as you do about a situation. Just be yourself and stay confident in your decisions and opinions.
Author Profile
Jaqueline Flores is a second year psychological and brain sciences major, Mariann Guzman-Espinoza is a first year pre-biology major, Milenia G. Memije is a first year pre-sociology major, and Takuma Izumi is a first year pre-biology major. Together, these four created a blog on non-conformity to provide younger audiences with a piece of advice.
plugged in 
Do you feel like you know enough about nonconformity (and why it’s not necessary) to tell your peers about it?
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Did you find the poll interesting or is there anything you would like there to be added?
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Did everyone understand the scientific research section? What was your reaction to it?
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I think you had enough about nonconformity. I liked how you guys had a video we’re you introduced yourself. I thought that was nice so we could learn more about you.
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