Masks, Cameras and Social Pressure

In contrast to classical social norm experiments, we conduct experiments that semi-continuously randomise the share of individuals who are taking a particular action in a given environment. Despite the difference in our settings (face masks vs. Zoom cameras), we uncover some empirical results that are common to both. First, we find that the share of individuals taking the relevant action is monotone in the share of others who take this action (although many nonetheless defy social pressure). Second, when embedded in dynamic models, our estimates imply that individuals will end up doing very different things despite engaging in copying-like behaviour.