At NIU, the true norm was 55 percent of the students drank zero to five drinks per party. The estimated number of students who drink five or more drinks per party is currently 32.9 percent and true norm was fortified. Communicating Actual Norms Social norms, both true and false, are established by many influences. Other sources that influence social norms include families, laws, religious traditions, and educational institutions. Someone new to a community is most susceptible to false norms.
College students are unsure of the prevailing norms in their new environment.
These students are very easily influenced by media and public conversation. Countering False Norms and Imaginary Peer Pressure Use mass marketing methods to inform the target audience in a credible manner about the norms of the student. The NIU model uses display and classified advertisements, a weekly column, as well as regular press releases and stories in the campus paper. Do not be discouraged if some students indicate that they don't believe the message. Remember the false norm is prevalent.