Understanding a 100-year-old social psychology theory can empower modern vegan activism.
Why do some people become less active in large vegan communities, assuming others will take the lead? Why do powerful campaigns lose momentum when the group expands?
The answer may lie in a psychological principle discovered over a century ago: the Ringelmann Effect. Understanding this effect could be the key to unlocking more effective, engaged, and sustainable vegan movements, both online and offline.
What Is the Ringelmann Effect?
The Ringelmann Effect, first identified by French agricultural engineer Maximilien Ringelmann in the 1910s, shows that individual effort tends to decrease as group size increases.
In his rope-pulling experiments, Ringelmann noticed that people put in less effort when working in teams compared to when they worked alone.
This phenomenon, also called “social loafing,” is deeply relevant in modern contexts— from office productivity to climate action and vegan advocacy.
How It Shows Up in Vegan Activism
In today’s large-scale online vegan communities, petitions or awareness campaigns, you often see the same pattern:
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A surge of interest in the beginning
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A small core group doing most of the work
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A larger group is becoming passive observers
Some common behaviors driven by the Ringelmann Effect:
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“Someone else will post it.”
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“Others are donating, so I don’t need to.”
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“This page already has 100,000 followers – I’m sure they’re doing enough.”
This leads to the diffusion of responsibility and reduced motivation, especially in emotionally heavy topics like animal suffering or environmental collapse.
The Psychology Behind It
According to social psychology, the Ringelmann Effect happens due to:
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Lack of individual accountability
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Decreased personal motivation
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The assumption that one’s contribution won’t matter in a large group
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Fear of standing out
Combined with eco-anxiety, activist burnout, or feelings of helplessness, people often withdraw instead of leaning in.
Veganism and the Power of the Individual
The vegan movement is based on personal responsibility – what you eat, buy, and support. But in collective spaces, this clarity can get lost.
Ironically, the most powerful change happens at the individual level, yet our minds are wired to be less active when we feel like “just another drop in the ocean.”
By becoming aware of the Ringelmann Effect, we can:
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Avoid passive group dynamics
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Encourage consistent daily action
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Empower others to step up
Scientific Studies That Support This
Here are a few studies that support the theory’s modern relevance:
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Karau & Williams (1993): Found that social loafing is reduced when individual contributions are visible and valued.
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Latané, Williams & Harkins (1979): Demonstrated social loafing through clapping experiments in group vs solo settings.
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Jackson & Harkins (1985) showed that perceived uniqueness reduces social loafing in group work.
🧠 These findings suggest that clear roles, recognition, and personal connection to the cause reduce the Ringelmann effect.
How to Fix It in Vegan Movements
Here are practical solutions for vegans and organizers:
1. Build Micro-Communities
Smaller groups with defined roles (e.g., social media, food sharing, education) increase ownership and reduce passive members.
2. Recognize Individual Effort
Even a thank-you message or shoutout in group chats boosts motivation.
3. Make Actions Personal
Show how even small steps (like sharing a recipe or starting a conversation) create ripple effects.
4. Encourage Active Participation
Use polls, tasks, or mini-challenges in online groups to keep engagement high.
5. Be the One Who Shows Up
Sometimes, all it takes is one person consistently modeling action. Don’t underestimate your influence.
Conclusion: You Are Not Just a Number
In a world overwhelmed by noise, collective silence is dangerous. The Ringelmann Effect explains why even passionate communities can lose momentum. But with awareness and intention, we can transform passive audiences into powerful agents of change.
Veganism isn’t about waiting for someone else to act, it’s about knowing you are already part of the solution.
Sources:
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Ringelmann, M. (1913). “Recherches sur les moteurs animés.”
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Karau, S. J., & Williams, K. D. (1993). “Social loafing: A meta-analytic review and theoretical integration.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
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Latané, B., Williams, K., & Harkins, S. (1979). “Many hands make light the work: The causes and consequences of social loafing.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
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Jackson, J. M., & Harkins, S. G. (1985). “Equity in effort: An explanation of the social loafing effect.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
