[Mannosuke]

Do you follow them because you want to? Or do you follow them because of what others might think of you?

[Privodevat]

When I follow them, it's because I "want" to.

[Hauy]

To be honest, I guess it's a bit of both. ><

[AS1AND0LL]

I have let society brainwashed me into someone who is not original yet at the same time I want to do things my way but doing so would be looked down upon on, life is strange.

[mochabear]

Both. It really depends on what degree of self-consciousness the person has, and how much they value another person's opinion. Sometimes, it's out of manners/respect; there are some social guidelines such as not wearing jeans to any formal event, or showing too much skin in a court, etc.

[AiLing]

That's a pretty broad question, but I think it's pretty clear that it's a combination of both. After all, humans are a social species, and "wanting" to follow norms kind of translates into a desire to be perceived a certain way, which can make future social interactions easier and have positive consequences. i.e. I "want" not to wear pajamas to meet a professor because if I did, I'd likely be seen in a negative light, which could have consequences down the road. Even "rebels" have social norms and many want to perceived as unconventional. Of course there are arbitrary, overly restrictive, or outdated norms that are (rightly) criticized - but really, every social interaction (including positive ones) depends on people acting in socialized ways...

[blueskiezgurl]

hmm..i guess I'm not following anything. I do whatever I wanna do, whether it was considered normal or not, doesn't matter, just keep being ME...i guess im more of a "myself" person, im not a follower nor a leader...

[tonycfc]

I don't follow the norm, you see. A lot of my friends smoke and I don't. They drink and I don't. Guess what, I don't feel left out. I just enjoy being myself. I won't change myself just because I want to join that particular clique.

[Floatii]

i follow the norm. =P
but it's not like i wake up everyday and decide to do something new all of a sudden so i'd be normal?
it's more of a sub-conscious thing for me.

but for things that are really out of comfort zones such as wearing certain types of clothes..i don't follow those. because i'm not brought up to be that way so...

i guess i'm normal but not really normal.

[Mannosuke]

That's a pretty broad question, but I think it's pretty clear that it's a combination of both. After all, humans are a social species, and "wanting" to follow norms kind of translates into a desire to be perceived a certain way, which can make future social interactions easier and have positive consequences. i.e. I "want" not to wear pajamas to meet a professor because if I did, I'd likely be seen in a negative light, which could have consequences down the road. Even "rebels" have social norms and many want to perceived as unconventional. Of course there are arbitrary, overly restrictive, or outdated norms that are (rightly) criticized - but really, every social interaction (including positive ones) depends on people acting in socialized ways...

The question itself is phrased in such a way to provoke thought if you took a little time to think about what it meant.
Yes, it's definitely a combination of both, and the term "want" is also pretty vague.

And since we all use the term "want" (and "need") on a daily basis, it would definitely require some defining.

[ihengbok]

Umm... I would very much prefer to be myself.

[cocainerror]

I like to do things that no one else is doing so I don't follow norms usually.

[jaeka]

The question itself is phrased in such a way to provoke thought if you took a little time to think about what it meant.
Yes, it's definitely a combination of both, and the term "want" is also pretty vague.

And since we all use the term "want" (and "need") on a daily basis, it would definitely require some defining.

People use "need" when they really should say "want". But, in some cases, do you actually need it? Haha. (;

As for me, I'm 50/50. I'm not a person who likes to do stuff to please others or do something in such a way that it makes people think of me in such a way. So, I don't really feel the need to follow the "norm", I may just do it. It's how I roll.

[Mannosuke]

People use "need" when they really should say "want". But, in some cases, do you actually need it? Haha. (;

As for me, I'm 50/50. I'm not a person who likes to do stuff to please others or do something in such a way that it makes people think of me in such a way. So, I don't really feel the need to follow the "norm", I may just do it. It's how I roll.

Someone raised an interesting question the other day:

Say for example you were on a crowded bus and this elderly walked on. Would you give your seat?

Now, by some norm, it is only proper to give your seat, so indeed if you gave up your seat you could technically say you're following the norm. But my own reasoning is that I wouldn't want to be held liable for any possible issues that could arise in the event that the elderly got hurt or something, which would not be following the norm but simply thinking of myself which coincidentally was grouped under "social norms"

[Lenduro]

It is usually a norm for someone, getting into an elevator, to stand and face the doors while waiting for their floor. When you do the opposite, you obviously break the norm.

Now, I follow this norm, not so much because I want to or think about what others will think about me. But I do it without even thinking about it. On the other hand, I could choose to do the opposite. I might want to not face the doors, just so I can see what others will think of me. This is actually a common assignment for an introductory Sociology class. lol

[qkrcjdfla]

I follow most of them...but I guess when I feel like it I'll break one or two, just to see people's reactions haha

[ephemeral.]

Honestly, it's both I suppose.
But mostly, it's because I feel like it.

[Photogeek]

I follow most of them...but I guess when I feel like it I'll break one or two, just to see people's reactions haha

Agreed! I follow almost always, but once in a while I will break one or two. hahahah So "Rebellious" Bwahahaha!