Someone was having breakfast some were chatting some were on the phone but when they stepped into the elevator they stopped for breakfast the chat stopped and the phone hanged not looking down at the phone. It is to look up at the ceiling everyone is tacitly aware of even breathing and try to avoid touching others in this crowded space. We can't help but ask why is the elevator so magical?
Psychological distance
Psychological distance is the psychological "vigilance" of each person. It is an egg-shaped psychological defense space formed by self-centered expansion. Once others invade it will cause psychological reactions of nervousness vigilance and resistance.
The figurative performance of psychological distance is the physical distance. The encounters in the elevator are mostly strangers and the space is limited. Everyone is in the warning range of other people. Obviously such distance is extremely uncomfortable for strangers. In order to make yourself feel comfortable in the elevator people do not have to communicate through words and they can cooperate with each other to keep a distance.
According to relevant research the number of different positions in the elevator is basically the same as that of the defect as if it is a customary “rule” also known as the elevator station effect which is also the best way to maximize the distance as shown below.
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Group pressure
Group pressure refers to an intangible psychological pressure felt by members when they need to comply with group opinions or norms in order to maintain their relationship with groups when their thoughts or behaviors conflict with group opinions or norms. Members tend to make responses that are accepted or recognized by the group.
The discomfort caused by psychological distance makes people tend to remain silent while maintaining physical distance from others. When most people choose to respond with silence if someone speaks or makes an abnormal sound it will cause other people's dislike. Forced to comply with the "rules" with invisible group pressure.
The picture below shows a screenshot of an elevator test. In the first picture several testers stood facing the elevator door. An unsuspecting person entered the elevator and used to stand on the elevator door. However in the second picture we found this. The unsuspecting person also turned around. This is a good illustration of the fact that under the pressure of the group we are more inclined to behave in the same way as the behavior of the group. It can also be considered as a herd and it is based on this that the atmosphere of silence in the elevator is formed.
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Pressure transfer
The narrow and confined space the silent and quiet atmosphere will inevitably make people feel depressed and the line of sight will make people feel uncomfortable when they are opposite to others. Therefore many people will stay on the display panel of the floor to avoid eye contact with others. The embarrassment of contact on the other hand can also meet the expectations of self-escape. With the gradual changes in floor numbers we can expect ourselves to move toward “liberation” which can effectively alleviate the anxiety caused by the elevator situation.
With the development of modern technology and the popularity of smart phones people are increasingly adopting the way of listening to music and watching mobile phones so that they can be in a self-independent space and convey self-information through this way. "Although we rely very much. Near but you are you I am me let me be alone." This may also be a portrayal of the indifference and loneliness of modern people.