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norms

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Social Proof Entry #0210

The reason an unpopular opinion is held by more than admit it

A norm can hold long after most people have stopped believing in it, because each of them is quietly certain they are the only one.

March 7, 2025 Master

The hidden part #0210

Silence is not agreement. It is the cheapest available response, and a norm built on it can be simultaneously unshakeable and unsupported.

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Social Proof Entry #0214

The reason a norm survives after everyone stops believing it

A rule can be maintained entirely by enforcement. When each person doubts it privately and polices it publicly, nobody encounters evidence that anyone doubts.

March 29, 2024 Adept

The hidden part #0214

A norm needs no believers, only enforcers. Zealous enforcement by the unconvinced is what keeps it looking supported.

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Framing Effects Entry #0516

The reason a rule stated positively is followed more

A prohibition names a boundary and invites the reader to locate it. An instruction names a behaviour, and there is no edge to be found.

October 6, 2023 Adept

The hidden part #0516

A prohibition tells the reader where the edge is. An instruction never mentions that an edge exists.

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