Consensual beliefs gain perceived validity and social connection from being shared

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 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Agreement in judgments stems from shared human nature, not just shared beliefs — Alex Callinicos, Against Postmodernism: A Marxist…, 419; False beliefs mostly persist through social transmission, not individual failings — Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall, The Misinformation Age: How False…, 30; Evidence sharing alone drives groups toward uniform belief without conformity psychology — Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall, The Misinformation Age: How False…, 208 (+13 more)

Broader Connections

• Beliefs gain validity from social endorsement and shared beliefs create social connection #expands (0.97) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2367