What is social influence?

Social influence refers to the ways in which individuals alter their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors based on the presence or actions of others. This concept encompasses a wide array of social phenomena, including conformity, compliance, and obedience, where a person's beliefs or behaviors are affected by social interactions. The essence of social influence lies in its focus on how the social environment can shape individual experiences and responses.

For instance, when a person adopts a particular belief because their friends or peers hold that belief, or when someone changes their behavior in response to social pressures, this illustrates social influence at work. It highlights the powerful role that social dynamics play in shaping personal perspectives and actions within a community or group context.

The other choices do not encapsulate the broad and fundamental nature of social influence. Changes in job performance or physical appearance among peers are not inherently linked to social interactions aimed at altering beliefs or behaviors, while changes in memories due to discussion relate more to cognitive psychology and the malleability of memory rather than the direct influence of others on one's beliefs or behaviors.