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  • Apple products are the best, and they're very user-friendly!

  • When you hear your friends make that statement, do you ever question it?

  • Even though you disagree, you keep your mouth shut because you don't want to be an outcast.

  • That's conformity.

  • When conformity within a group leads to dangerous results, it's called "groupthink."

  • There are 8 symptoms of groupthink, which we can see on these 3 budding entrepreneurs.

  • Dave, Frank, and Sylvia are planning to launch a startup which sells "used tissues" online.

  • You and I, we both know that's the lamest idea ever.

  • But, sometimes things play out differently, when group dynamics are involved.

  • Here's a sneak peek.

  • Dave says, "We should start selling used tissues!"

  • "No one has done that yet, and if anyone can do it, it has to be us."

  • That's "illusion of invulnerability."

  • Then Frank says, "I know, right? No one is as smart as us to have thought about this killer concept."

  • This is "stereotyping" others.

  • Silently, Sylvia thinks, "Yes, 'cause it's a stupid idea!"

  • But she doesn't say it, which is "self-censorship."

  • Then Dave says, "Sylvia, you agree, right? You seem so excited!"

  • That's "illusion of unanimity."

  • Sylvia finally says, "Um, used tissues, you guys? Seriously? What about the germs? Ew!"

  • But Dave counters, "What germs? We are selling sentiments here."

  • "Used tissues have a history, and you gotta respect the sentimentality."

  • That's "unquestioned belief."

  • Frank reassures, "I'm sure Sylvia agrees that selling used tissues is a brilliant idea!"

  • "She just doesn't know it yet."

  • This is "direct pressure."

  • Sylvia shrugs, saying, "Yeah, I guess."

  • "Maybe we can launch 'tissues for issues' and make it a noble-cause specific project."

  • Which is "rationalizing."

  • "We'll have to test it, though."

  • "No tests. We are going to launch a Kickstarter Campaign! We are going to be huge," says Dave.

  • He's being a "mindguard," which is a person who prevents dissent.

  • And, thus, the 3 fools launched a "used tissues" business.

  • Now that you know the symptoms of groupthink, leave us a comment below, and tell us if you have ever been a part of groupthink, knowingly, or unknowingly.

Apple products are the best, and they're very user-friendly!

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