ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Flawed argumentsBandwagon
Popularity or the number of happy customers is passed off as proof that something works or is right.
“Thousands of people are buying it” or “everyone has one already” makes you feel you are falling behind. But popularity doesn't prove that something works, is true or is right for you.
An advert: “Over a million people have downloaded this weight-loss app – it must work!” How many of them actually lost weight, and for how long, the advert doesn't say.
How to spot it
- Numbers of sales, downloads or likes instead of evidence.
- “Everyone”, “any sensible person”, “the whole village has one”.
- Reviews and ratings that can't be checked.
How to check and what to do
- Ask: what shows that it works – not how many people bought it?
- Look for independent tests, comparisons or studies.
- When told “your competitors already have it”, ask for specific references and check them yourself.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/bandwagon