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Simply Psychology In 1979, Henri Tajfel and John Turner formulated the Social Identity Theory to explain how individuals build their self-concept based on their perceived membership in a relevant social group. The Social Identity Theory introduced the concept of social identity utilized in predicting certain inter-group behaviours on the basis of perceived group status differences, the perceived legitimacy and stability of those status differences, and the perceived ability to move from one group to another (Tajfel and Turner, 1979).
The Layman's explanation of Social Identity Theory
This means that Mr A is motivated to remain a member of Group Q as long the group continues to represent an esteemed identity in the public and/or social space where other rival groups co-exist. Mr A is always proud each time he hears from his peer that "Group A" which he identifies with continues to stay afloat in ranks.
According to Taifel and Turner, operations by groups and inter-group relationships impacts significantly on individuals' self-perception and behaviours. This group of people belong which to therefore provide members with the definition of who they are and how they should behave in the social or public sphere. Where the group fails, an individual member of the group seems to lose self esteem because his morale are deeply woven by the attainments of the group.
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For further understanding of this concept, let us consider the categorization of males and females into social roles which creates binaries in which individuals feel they have to be at one end of a linear spectrum and must identify themselves as "man" or "woman". Globally, communities interpret biological differences between men and women to create a set of social expectations that define the behaviours that are "appropriate" for men and women and determine women’s and men’s different access to rights, resources, power in society and even health behaviours (Galdas, Johnson, Percy and Ratner, 2010).
How does the above affect Blockchain Adoption?
In an organization, social identification provides that leaders which could be categorized as active and inactive will adopt the identity of their category. There are chances that a active leader of a group will likely adopt the identity of an aggressive forward and begin to act in ways that seem to give a push to the organisation. This activeness has a way of spicing an emotional significance in the self-concept of the group members who will develop self-esteem and see reasons to invest their resources (could be time, finances, skills) towards the build pf the group.
Having laid the above understanding of the "Social Identity Theory", it is pertinent we delve into the discussion as it relates with blockchain acceptance, adoption and onboarding.
It is pertinent to note that even the laziest fellow wants to identify with a group of active fellows so that his weaknesses and shortcomings would be covered. How much more a well-thinking individual who is interested in giving his active contribution of time, finances and skills in a socio-financial organization like a blockchain.
With the daily creations of new blockchains and forking of existing ones, every individual is offered an array of options to choose from. However, no sound thinking person wants to start a journey that would lead him into the drain/garbage discharge. This therefore means that individuals will tend to have their choice of adoption to a chain that has a record of social or public significance (even when they do nor have a technical edge or advantage).
...the winning side is always the crowding side...
"Nobody wants to identify with failure". It is a psychological construct that every human would always react to on the affirmative. The est way to identify success is "noise" or say "chants of victory". Many would have reasons to disagree with this but it is the truth that must be told. It is quite easier to recognize the winning side by their shouts (even when it may be faked).
Implications for the Hive Blockchain
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This piece is therefore shared to call to awakening the leadership team of the hive blockchain that users' adoption, acceptance, onboarding and investment into a social blockchain like hive is dependent on their perceived value and the social/public value that this chain portrays to the common man out there. The build of this chain must have the esteem of every user in mind. It is no more time to trade blames but to focus on the goals of this blockchain.
Thanks for your time devoted to this read. let's discuss in the comments section.
References
- Galdas P. M. Johnson J. L. Percy M. E. & Ratner P. R. (2010). Help Seeking for Cardiac Symptoms: Beyond the Masculine-Feminine Binary. Social Science and Medicine 71 (1):122-125
- Tajfel, H. and Turner, J. C. (1979). An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict. In: W. G. Austin & S. Worchel (Eds.). The Social Psychology of Intergroup Relations. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole. pp. 33–47.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity_theory
- https://www.learning-theories.com/social-identity-theory-tajfel-turner.html
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html
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