According to social psychology, how do our behaviors and thoughts get influenced?

Our behaviors and thoughts are significantly influenced by social interactions with others. This aspect of social psychology emphasizes that individual behavior cannot be fully understood in isolation; instead, it is shaped by the dynamics of our social environments. For instance, our attitudes, beliefs, and even decision-making processes are often influenced by the people around us—family, friends, peers, and strangers. Through socialization, we learn norms, values, and acceptable behaviors, all of which guide how we interact with our surroundings and make choices.

Social interactions facilitate the exchange of ideas and beliefs, which can lead to conformity, social learning, and even changes in personal opinion. This highlights the importance of group dynamics, social influence, and interpersonal relationships in understanding human psychology. In contrast, while biological instincts, cognitive processes, and environmental conditions certainly play roles in shaping behavior, the interaction and influence among individuals are central to the study of social psychology.