Anyone else noticed that conformity is on the increase?

[Patrick]

Why does nobody these days have a personality of their own? Everyone I know talks about the same things, and does the same things as each other. I am refering mainly to my collegues and friends.

Everyone reads the same books (50 shades of Grey) they watch the same tv (Celebrity Juice, X Factor, Im a Celebrity etc) listen to the same music (Rihana, Take That, Olly Murs, anything in the charts bassically) and do the same activities (facebook, twitter, drinking).

I cant remember the last time I met someone with a genuinely original and interesting personality. Someone with their own tastes and interests who doesn't give a fck what anyone else thinks. Why is everyone so desparate to fit in and conform?
Eudoxia- Good points, however, most goths and metalheads also conform to a certain image and way of behaving. They think that because they like a certain type of music, they HAVE to wear black clothes and have stupid fcking haircuts. I love punk, grunge and metal, but I also like to dress smart, shave and cut my hair. In fact goths and grebos are some of the worst conformists ever, because they are trying so hard not to conform, they end up creating their own little conformist group, where anyone who isnt a goth or metalhead is a 'moron' or 'ignorant'. I am not saying that you are one of these, shit, I dont even know you. . . .

[gregory]

Globalization and the media. Also, conformity is just human nature. We like to be in agreement with the majority of the crowd. However, there are still plenty that are not at all like that, such as I. But I do see where you're coming from. Individuality is losing its touch

[Eudoxia]

Firstly there are some of us left who aren't into that sh*t, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to find people like me, metalheads, goths, there are so few of us left. I guess the reason is because it's easier to conform, as a race it is our default setting. most people don't care whether they're the same as everybody else because it doesn't occur to most people that being different is a good thing. Basically, being different is a threat and most people will react badly to it snd no-one wants to be the person who gets bullied. It's just so much easier for most people to be normal. I don't think I could handle it though if I'm honest.

[Cabbage]

Because of instant communications and the availability of things like the Internet.

It's not just people, it's places, too, to the point where I really don't see why blind people travel for pleasure (I can hear them saying "LA smells different from New York"). It seems like the same stores are everywhere, like Macy's, JC Penney, Dillard's, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot.

[purringProfessional388]

Yes, yes I have. I'm glad I have no first hand knowledge of the things you mention.

[Lee]

On the increase? No, it's always been that way. There have always been a small minority that go against the grain but for the most part we all just go along with what "society" says is right and wrong because that's what our families, schools, peers, and religions taught us to do through socialization.

[Qwertyâ„¢]

I agree with Lee. Conformity has been pretty steady lately. It's getting a little more noticeable ridiculous with specific "non-conformity" subcultures which go against the idea of conforming in the first place. The only true individuals who don't subscribe to the crap that the media is forcing down everyone's throats are generally not out and about where the world can see them. They tend to have small groups of close knit friends and hang out at spots where they know no one will judge them if they can't recite Rihanna's last 5 hits in alphabetical order. These people don't have a "name," and they certainly aren't featured in the mainstream, so it's difficult to point them out.

I'm one of those weirdos who dares to be different. I have a small group of close knit friends and a boyfriend who appreciate me for my quirkiness. There's nothing better than being yourself.

[artmunki]

Conformity seems to be on the increase because the human population is increasing, and modern communication means that a very significant proportion of the population are exposed to the same stuff. Conformity has most likely always been the norm, unfortunately.