New Books in Sociology You Have More Influence Than You Think
8 snips
May 6, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Vanessa Bohns, a social psychologist and professor at Cornell University, reveals how we often underestimate the influence we possess in social settings. She shares insights from her research, shedding light on the 'invisible audience' effect on social media and the power of asking for favors. With compelling anecdotes and evidence, Bohns emphasizes the importance of recognizing our impact, navigating social dynamics, and embracing our innate ability to persuade and connect with others, all while addressing the biases that hinder fair hiring practices.
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Invisibility Cloak Illusion Example
- Vanessa Bohns shares the story of Trump administration members unknowingly leaking sensitive information in a public lunch space.
- This illustrates the invisibility cloak illusion where we underestimate how much people notice us.
Social Media Skews Influence Perception
- Social media amplifies false comparison where we feel less influential by focusing on popular accounts.
- We underestimate our social reach and impact because many viewers are invisible to us online.
Underestimated Success of Asking Strangers
- Vanessa Bohns recounts her anxiety making requests in Penn Station and the surprising high rate of people saying yes.
- Despite feeling rejected, most people were polite and agreed, highlighting we overestimate rejection when asking.
