Article Outline/Background:
On the University of Pennsylvania website, Christina Bicchieri and Hugo Mercier’s article, “Norm and Beliefs: How Change Occurs,” touches base on the topic of societal norms and how detrimental it can be. Within the article, the two individuals mention the numerous negative outcome’s of being judgmental towards others. Interestingly, the article argues that humans anticipate that the consequences of branching out and doing something different will be worse than reaching their ultimate happiness and freedom of the mind, resulting in the subtle changes of societal norms.

Common norms & their explanations:
In the same article, written by Bicchieri and Mercier, Bicchieri defines societal norms as: “behavioral rules supported by a combination of empirical and normative expectations” (Bicchieri 2, 3). Furthermore, Bicchieri explains her insight and how she views the world as a whole, deriving from society’s social standards. In response to these societal standards, most humans strive to develop these-so-called trends that most are engaged in, in order to “fit in.” Almost all individuals who participate in this act, base their opinion off of their fear, rejection. With that being said, this tends to play a big role in a community, shaping “society’s standards,” and individuals, themselves. On the other hand, some may base their ultimate opinion, excluding themselves from society. Some may find this sense of “boldness” intriguing. As Lane sits at the diner with Franny, the boy looks at her, thinking how she is “a girl who [is] not only extraordinarily pretty but, so much better (Salinger 11). Because of the social status Lane gains, he is with Franny. With the help of Franny, Lane is satisfied with his social gain of followers and popularity.

Consequences of not following societal norms:
If given the option, most people tend to follow social trends even if there is a slight chance of being excluded from society, in hope of not being made fun of. The majority of people choose to “follow a norm because they believe that others would shun them if they didn’t” (Bicchieri 10). Oftentimes, the tension of not pursuing social standards, results in rumors and and judgmental glares. Because of this, many choose to stay with what society tells them is the “right” path to take, even if that risks their mental health and true happiness. Generally these consequences lead to further mental health issues such as: (social) anxiety, depression, or even stress, yet, individuals still strive to satisfy others even if it takes a toll on their well-being. Furthermore, this frequently shapes people into being afraid of what the public says, or even can form them into a person they simply are not. Social standards form because of popularity and trends that people are too afraid to admit their ultimate feelings. Within the novel “Franny and Zooey,” the main character, Franny, is “so horribly sick of not having the courage to be an absolute nobody” (Salinger 30). The young girl wants to grow into her true self and be who she was meant to be. Later on, Franny falls into the trap of societal norms, which causes her to eventually not be able to control emotions, falling into a depressive state of mind. Like most people, Franny let society dictate the way she needed to act on a daily basis, shaping the way she viewed herself and obtaining her position in the silent majority.

Conclusion:
All over the world, society arranges these standards and norms to set trends in order to feel above others and get a chance of popularity. These kinds of people who place these harsh “rules” are truly insecure about themselves and feel a sense of satisfaction when they are at the pinnacle of their popularity, even if it is hurting others while doing it. Although these norms are not required, many people feel that they are, in exchange for not being tormented by society if they don’t follow their “ways,” vanishing their freedom of speech and a rapid decline in their mental health. In conclusion, society places a standard on what is and what is not acceptable. Even though it leads to damaging outcomes, humans are forced to accept these norms, regardless of the impact it makes on their mental health or even the way it falsely shapes an individual into someone they were not meant to be, stunting their mental growth as a human.