The bandwagon effect describes our tendency to adopt beliefs, behaviours, or trends simply because many others are doing so. It is the psychology behind fads, viral content, and mass movements.
For example, someone may buy a particular brand of trainers not because of quality, but because “everyone else has them.” In politics, people may support the candidate they perceive as most popular, rather than the one with whom they truly agree.
The bandwagon effect highlights how social proof influences us—we often take popularity as a sign of value or correctness. While it can foster unity, it can also lead to herd mentality or uncritical thinking.