When the pride grows larger: How the Detroit Lions taught me about the bandwagon effect

Credit: Jake May | MLive.com

Fall is almost here, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and family fun outdoors. For my family, it means football is back and it’s time to support the home team — whether they like it or not. Growing up in Detroit, my earliest football memories are of Barry Sanders and his electrifying runs in the 90’s. His dominance gave me a false sense of superiority so even when the Lions lost, it felt like we won. As I got older, the reality set in: the nation at large didn’t have the same respect for my Lions as I did. And that disrespect continued, for pretty much my entire adult life.

But oh, how have things changed. 

See, I myself am a True Believer. So even before the season starts, I'm drinking the Kool-Aid and once again daring to hope that the Lions will "get one [Superbowl] before I die" — a common plea around Metro Detroit and the rallying cry of the Detroit Lions subreddit, which has some of the best memes on the internet IMO. 

This time, however, there is a different feeling in the air. It feels like others are finally starting to see what we proud Detroiters have long seen in our gritty Lions. Others, all of a sudden it seems, are finally catching on. There is a palpable buzz around town, and for the first time in a while, we're getting positive national media attention. 

This newfound attention has even brought new supporters from across the country, and I can't help but feel a certain way about it: where were all of these “fans” a few years ago, and why are they coming out of the woodwork now?

For the answer, we can look to psychology and a cognitive bias called the Bandwagon Effect.

What’s the Bandwagon Effect?

Discussed on Talk Shoppe’s Bias of the Week series back in June, the bandwagon effect describes people’s tendency to adopt certain behaviors or beliefs because others are doing so. Showing up in many areas of life, from sports fandom and my cherished Lions to consumer trends and political movements, this bias is all about wanting to be part of something that appears to be popular. 

If everyone’s doing it, then there must be a reason — and we’ll want to do it too.

Think about it. Why do people flock to the newest iPhone release or why do viral TikToks or Instagram Reels spread like wildfire? It’s all about being part of the in-crowd and the often subsconscious instinct to want to fit in. Adopting what's popular in the moment - and being very vocal about it - leads to greater inclusion and social acceptance. It satisfies people’s need to belong.

For brands and marketers, looking to influence large swaths of people through campaigns and product launches, understanding this bias is like knowing the location of a goldmine. So let’s take a more practical deep dive into this phenomenon and how it manifests in our daily lives. 

Social media: the bandwagon’s best friend

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X amplify the bandwagon effect. When something starts trending, it spreads like fire. Hashtags, viral videos, and influencer shout-outs create a hype machine that’s hard to resist. Suddenly, you’re buying the same stainless steel water bottle, eating at the same restaurant a creator just reviewed, or streaming the latest show everyone’s buzzing about on TikTok.

Social media not only spreads trends; it accelerates them, turning a small buzz into a deafening roar. It’s this rapid spread of information that makes the bandwagon effect so powerful in today’s world.

Brands also jump on trends with limited-edition drops and through influencer partnerships. They’re not just selling a product — they’re selling a slice of what’s trending, bringing consumers deeper into the fold to partake in the vibes.

When teams and athletes win, fans follow

Let’s get back to sports. The bandwagon effect’s impact is obvious here and goes deeper than just my Lions and their sudden national appeal. 

Look at Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese and their recent impact on women’s basketball. The early buzz that formed around these players snowballed over time as more people jumped on the bandwagon, which led to the WNBA having its highest attendance in 26 years. Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey had a similar effect on the UFC, turning casual viewers into hardcore fans overnight and generating greater interest in the sport.

These athletes' success creates new fans who jump on the bandwagon because it’s exciting and cool to support winners. Rallying behind an athlete or team drops people into a vast community of other fans, contributing to a sense of belonging and connection. Even in today’s politically-divided climate, the recent Olympics demonstrated how sports can unite America, bringing citizens together to support their athletes and share a sense of national pride.

The Good, The Bad, and The Trendy

It’s important to realize that the bandwagon effect can be a double-edged sword. 

On one hand, it can lead to positive outcomes, like increased support for a once-underrated sports team or more attention to deserving businesses, artists, and causes. But, it can also lead to herd mentality, where people make decisions based on popularity rather than personal preference or critical thinking.

Someone could jump on the bandwagon and end up with a closet full of clothes they don’t actually like or won’t wear in a few months. The same goes for tech or investment trends — as we all know now, just because everyone else is buying into a new cryptocurrency doesn’t mean it’s a sound financial decision.

So, what’s the takeaway?

While it’s fun to be part of the hype, it’s also important to stay mindful. 

Don’t just follow the crowd — make sure you’re aligned with what you’re supporting. And for the love of god, don’t be obnoxious. 

Here are a few tips to doing just that you should keep in mind:

• Stay informed: do your research before jumping on a trend. Whether it’s a new tech, a football team from Detroit, or a new hobby, make sure you know what you’re getting into and evaluate trends based on their merits, not just their popularity.

• Be authentic: support and invest in what you genuinely like. It’s okay to join the bandwagon if it aligns with your interests, but don’t feel pressured to follow the crowd just for the sake of it.

• Enjoy the ride: trends come and go, and being part of a collective experience can be fun and rewarding. Just remember to keep your own preferences and values at the forefront.

And for the marketers out there, don’t think I forgot about you. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:

• Leverage social media trends: use social media to engage with trending topics and collaborate with influencers to increase visibility and appeal to the in-crowd.

• Create limited-edition products: introduce limited-edition products or exclusive releases to create urgency and align with the latest trends.

• Build a community around your brand: foster a sense of community by encouraging user-generated content and creating spaces for customer interaction.

As we gear up for another exciting football season, let’s enjoy the ride, celebrate the wins (looking at you, Lions fans!), and remember how external trends can influence our choices. Whether you’re a day-one fan or a new supporter, let’s keep the energy high and the bandwagon rolling.