Beliefs gain validity from social endorsement and shared beliefs create social connection

Evidence

Establishing shared realities – i.e., consensual attitudes and beliefs – serves at least two important purposes. The first is the fulfillment of epistemic needs; quite simply, beliefs are perceived to be more valid when endorsed by other people. In addition, a shared reality satisfies relational needs (sharing beliefs makes people feel connected to each other). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2367

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Festinger’s social comparison theory and the general finding that consensus substitutes for evidence in belief formation. — connects to: Agreement in judgments stems from shared human nature, not just shared beliefs — Alex Callinicos, Against Postmodernism: A Marxist…, 419; Face-to-face encounters persist more effectively when reinforced by social media ties. — Alice E. Marwick, Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity,…, 198; Maintaining social connection precedes exchanging accurate information in dialogue — Yves Citton, The Ecology of Attention, 254 (+6 more)