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The evolution of pluralistic ignorance

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  • Lütz, Alessandra F.
  • Wardil, Lucas

Abstract

Pluralistic ignorance is a social–psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals privately hold beliefs that differ from perceived group norms. Traditional models, based on opinion dynamics with private and public states, fail to account for a key aspect: when nonexpression aligns with normative behavior, initial social pressure can induce pluralistic ignorance. We show that pluralistic ignorance persists under infrequent imitation and strong initial minority influence. Although individuals can overcome this ignorance by the end of interactions, it reemerges in subsequent meetings. However, excessive imitation erases pluralistic ignorance, leading to a uniform state in which internal and external states align. Furthermore, incorporating memory into the internalization process shows that pluralistic ignorance peaks at moderate imitation levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Lütz, Alessandra F. & Wardil, Lucas, 2024. "The evolution of pluralistic ignorance," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 647(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:647:y:2024:i:c:s0378437124004291
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2024.129920
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