UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL BEING

Hey, fellow explorers of the social beings! Let's embark on a journey into the complex world of human behavior, where we uncover the layers of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. These three intertwined phenomena shape our interactions, influencing how we perceive, feel, and behave toward others. Buckle up for a ride through cognitive landscapes, emotional territories, and behavioral realms! Stereotypes: The Cognitive Canvas of the Mind Picture this: your mind as an artist's canvas, painting pictures of the world around you. These mental images, known as stereotypes, are the cognitive components that help us simplify the complexities of the social world. For instance, if someone says "scientist," you might instinctively visualize a bespectacled individual working in a lab. Stereotypes aren't necessarily negative; they're mental shortcuts that save our brains energy. However, they can lead to oversimplified and biased views if they are unexamined. Prej...

~Aditya Singh (2020MS10740)  Introduction People frequently engage in acts of compassion and charity to benefit others, an example of prosocial conduct. Supporting others in need, offering personal resources, donating time and effort, and collaborating to achieve common objectives are all examples of prosocial behaviour. This module concentrates on assisting in dyadic situations, where one person requires assistance and another steps in to satisfy that need. Although individuals are frequently in demand, aid is only sometimes forthcoming. This prompts the question, "Why do some people choose to help while others do not?" To untangle the complex dynamics behind prosocial behaviour, we must investigate the variables that influence these decisions. The Complexity of Helping Helping someone in need is a more complicated decision than it first seems. Multiple variables are at play, making the decision-making process complex and multifaceted. This lesson will examine the many facto...

~ Ayush Kumar Baranwal (2020CH10082) Hi peeps! Have you ever done something because everyone else does it? Like wearing a particular outfit, listening to a certain song, or acting in a certain way. Then you're not alone. Conformity, the desire to change how we think and act to fit in with those around us, is an important part of how people interact with each other. In this blog, we will explore the interesting idea of conformity, and what makes it happen. We will also discuss what are the ways in which it affects our daily lives. The Nature of Conformity Conformity is everywhere, from fashion trends to political beliefs, and even in our choices of entertainment. It's the reason why we may change our decision to buy a particular model of phone just on the basis of what our friends are buying. The idea is that our actions and attitudes are heavily influenced by our social environment. Reasons Behind Conformity Psychologists have found two main reasons why people conform: informat...

 By Sania Goyal (2020MT10842) In today's digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous presence in our lives, shaping the way we interact, share information, and construct our identities. Its pervasive influence has not only transformed communication but has also significantly impacted social psychology. From Facebook and Instagram to Twitter and TikTok, these platforms have not only revolutionized the way we communicate but have also fundamentally altered the field of social psychology. As we stand on the precipice of an even more digitally connected future, it's crucial to understand how social media is likely to continue shaping the way we think, feel, and behave as individuals and as a society. Identity Construction and Self-Presentation Social media allows us to craft and curate our online personas. This phenomenon aligns with the concept of self-presentation, a cornerstone of social psychology.  This phenomenon also aligns with Erving Goffman's theory of self-pr...

By Sania Goyal (2020MT10842) Terrorism is a subject that has dominated headlines and political discussions for years. It is a grim and pressing global issue that has left countless lives shattered and many communities in turmoil. It affects us in ways that we cannot even imagine. It affects both the person performing the act and those who are at the receiving end. One aspect that demands our attention as students is the profound relationship between terrorism and social psychology. Understanding this intricate connection is crucial for devising effective strategies to counteract extremist ideologies and promote peace in our world. Terrorism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with deep-seated roots in the realms of social psychology. Understanding this relationship can help us grasp the underlying factors that drive individuals to join extremist groups and engage in acts of violence. We'll explore the connection between terrorism and social psychology, shedding light on the co...

~ Rama Bharti(2020MT10834)          The concept of selfhood is a complex and multifaceted one, encompassing our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even our sense of identity. As we navigate through life, we often find ourselves grappling with the question of how much control we truly have over these various aspects of our selves. Are some features of selfhood easier to control than others?      In this blog, I will be discussing the fascinating world of self-control and examine the extent to which we can shape and direct different facets of our selves. I will be also discussing how concepts of The Social Actor, The Motivated Agent, and The Autobiographical Author offer valuable perspectives on how we navigate our identities and self-control within the context of social interactions, motivations, and self-narratives. Understanding the Self-Control:      Self-control is the ability to regulate one's thoughts, emotions, and behav...