Are Groups Good or Bad for Us? Perhaps, they can be both?

After completing the reading this week, youll see there is literature pointing to the destructive effects of group influence on human functioning. Research on conformity, diffusion of responsibility, deindividuation, panic, the risky shift, groupthink, and anonymity (most of which is discussed in chapter 8 on social influence) shows how group influence has been problematic. On the other hand, groups facilitate social, moral, and language development; they provide the bases for a sense of membership and identity; and are a source of emotional comfort, support, and satisfaction. For this assignment, explain in your own words how groups can serve in a positive manner and how groups can have negative functions. Include vocabulary from this weeks learning in your response to show your understanding of concepts.