Why do people often need others to believe in something before they can believe it themselves? In this episode of Lipsticks on Labcoats, we dive into the world of social science to explore conformity, social proof, and groupthink. From cults to conspiracy theories, from social media trends to lab research, we uncover why humans crave validation and how that shapes collective belief systems.

We’ll also spotlight scientists and thinkers who resisted this pull — pioneers like Galileo and Barbara McClintock, who stood firm in their discoveries long before anyone else dared to agree.

At the crossroads of psychology, sociology, and science, this conversation asks: Do you believe because it’s true to you, or because everyone else says so?