by Rick Baker
On Feb 15, 2011
Some studies have shown people tend to be attracted to other people when those other people hold similar views. Conversely, people tend to be repulsed by other people when those other people hold differing views.
This applies whether or not the matter at hand is important or not important.
As examples:
Important Matters would include topics like religion, politics, ethics, etc.
Not Important Matters [or, likely not so important matters] would include topics like favourite colours, music preferences, choice of clothing, etc.
Here is a picture of the Impact of Similarity…
| |
If the Matter
Is
Important |
If the Matter
Is Not
Important |
When we Agree with the
Other Person's Opinion |
We tend to be Attracted |
We tend to be Attracted |
When we Do Not Agree with
the Other Person's Opinion |
We tend to be Repulsed |
We tend to be Repulsed |
The Impact of Similarity…
These tendencies tied to Similarity are helpful pieces of knowledge.
- They explain why misery enjoys company. [yes…a feeble attempt at similarity humour]
- They support the logic of Stephen Covey’s 5th Habit – Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. [no point running the risk of alienating people by illustrating our differences, especially if those differences are of little importance or are off topic]
- They help us understand how and why first impressions are of such importance.
- They help us understand how rapport gets built [and destroyed].
- They help us understand the driving forces behind community.