In 1951, a social psychologist named Solomon Asch did a series of groundbreaking studies on the psychology of conformity. He gave students a vision test, in which they were asked to determine which lines on a sheet of paper were the same length. But before a student was given the opportunity to respond, several actors gave the incorrect answer first. By the time the real students answered, hearing so many incorrect answers had changed them. Thus, 75% gave the wrong answer, out of peer pressure to simply fit in. They knew the correct answer, but were more concerned with fitting in with their peers.
Dr. Asch’s conclusion was this: People are willing to ignore reality for the sake of conformity.
Paul said, “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:10. That is the beginning of recovery. Until you act on what you know, rather than on what you feel, sobriety will be nothing more than a mirage.
Recovery Step: Be willing to stand up, stand out, and stand firm.
