Emergence of Worldwide Standardization Trends
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a harmful phenomenon known as "toxic global conformism" has emerged, imposing uniform thinking and suppressing individual critical thought and dissent. This pattern, while not a widely established academic term, has become particularly salient during the pandemic, as social pressure and uniform narratives have significantly influenced individual thinking.
The roots of toxic global conformism can be traced back to social psychology and sociology theories on conformity, obedience, and hegemonic dominance. It is part of a pattern where social, political, or economic pressures enforce a rigid, dominant narrative or behavior pattern globally, often resulting in exclusion, polarization, and erosion of critical reasoning.
During the pandemic, toxic global conformism manifested in several ways. Heightened social pressure to align with dominant public health narratives and restrictions discouraged open debate or questions about policies, vaccines, or lockdown measures. This led to accusations of censorship or stigmatization of dissenters, affecting individual autonomy in thought and speech.
Conformity driven by fear and uncertainty promoted rapid acceptance of sometimes contradictory or evolving information without sufficient room for dissent or alternative viewpoints. The pandemic highlighted how technocratic and centralized decision-making can suppress pluralism, leading to a conformity that risks undermining democracy and individual critical assessment.
This toxic conformism negatively impacted individual thinking by reducing the space for independent evaluation and skepticism, essential to scientific and democratic discourse. It reinforced group polarization where individuals either fully conform or are ostracized, and created environments where nuanced discussion is replaced by binary loyalties, limiting effective problem-solving.
The new global conformism can be found in unexpected places, such as the traditional religious world. Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, declared that Jesus would get a Covid shot, a statement that sparked controversy and was seen as ignorant, foolish, and abusive by some.
This phenomenon aligns with observed global shifts toward autocracy and instability, where centralized power and conformist behavior restrict dissent and plurality, affecting societal resilience. The pandemic thus exposed vulnerabilities in global governance and the dissemination of information, exacerbating toxic conformism with consequences for democracy and personal freedoms.
The pace of global conformism has been immeasurably amplified through the power of social media and the Internet. International bodies like the WEF and the UN, along with national governments, are anxious to control online communication. Even in Japan, a country traditionally known for uniformity, the term "diversity" is being adopted, despite its monocultural society.
However, it is important to note that conformity is not inherently bad. In Japan, for better or worse, unity has been a strength. But the current global conformity is not organic or reasonable; it is imposed by those with power and influence. The rapid implementation of toxic conformity in response to Covid may be unique in history.
In conclusion, toxic global conformism is a harmful pattern of enforced uniformity that limits individual critical thinking, which has become particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. It threatens public discourse, freedom of thought, and democratic processes, and exacerbates global vulnerabilities in governance and information dissemination.
Educational articles on the psychology and sociology of conformity during the pandemic can provide insights into the origins and consequences of toxic global conformism. These articles may offer solutions to counter this trend, promoting open debate, pluralism, and critical reasoning.
The impact of toxic global conformism extends beyond politics and general news; it infiltrates even seemingly insulated areas such as the religious community, as demonstrated by the controversy surrounding Franklin Graham's statement about Covid-19 vaccines.
Internet platforms, social media, and international bodies play a significant role in amplifying global conformism, making it a critical area for research and policymaking. Solutions might involve fostering digital spaces that encourage diversity, independent thought, and open discussion.
