How non-conformists nudge the world forward…
Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Being a non-conformist isn't just about standing out in a crowd; it could be a marker of higher intelligence.
Recent research suggests that humans with higher IQs are more inclined to resist conformity and make independent choices, even when it means going against the majority.
The lead researcher, Dr. Michael Muthukrishna, highlighted the positive aspects of conformity, noting that it plays a crucial role in cultural evolution. "By being conformist, we copy the things that are popular in the world," he explained. And those things are often good and useful."
How the study was conducted
The study, published in Evolution and Human Behavior, involved 101 participants who were tasked with comparing the lengths of various lines. Interestingly, while most people tended to follow the majority opinion, folks with higher intelligence demonstrated a greater confidence in their own judgments and were less influenced by others.
However, in situations of uncertainty, even those with higher IQs showed a tendency to align with the majority. This suggests that intelligence is a complex interplay between individual decision-making and social influence.
Final thoughts
These findings build upon the classic Asch conformity experiments, which revealed how humans would disregard their own perceptions to conform with group consensus.
Dr. Muthukrishna emphasized that conformity can be beneficial, stating, "Our whole world is made up of things that we do that are good for us, but we don’t know why. And we don’t need to know why. We just need to know that most people do those things."
At the end of the day, being a non-conformist isn't just about going against the flow; it reflects a nuanced understanding of social dynamics and the ability to balance your individuality with collective wisdom.
So, the next time you feel like the odd one out, remember… it just might be a sign of your higher intelligence shining through.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Muthukrishna, M., Morgan, T. J., & Henrich, J. (2016). The when and who of social learning and conformist transmission. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.05.004
