Bandwagon

A bandwagon fallacy is a statement presented in an argument that appeals to the growing popularity of an idea or concept as a reason for accepting the argument as true. 

Bandwagon fallacies state that because an idea or action is popular, it must be correct and accepted. Bandwagon fallacies are used in arguments to distract the audience from the actual issue being presented by drawing attention to a popular belief or behavior. By making an argument appeal to the popular consensus, the arguer is attempting to build credibility based solely upon popularity regardless of the argument's actual validity. Many people assume that if something has popular support, it must be correct simply because “everybody” cannot be wrong. However, just because an idea or action is popular, does not mean it is correct, thus it is a fallacy.

Bandwagon fallacies are usually expressed with informal language. By using informal language, the argument is made to appeal to everyone, thus reinforcing the idea that “everyone” complies with the proposed concept. Bandwagon fallacies frequently uses statistics to prove popular support. For example, “7 out of 10 dentists recommend Crest.” Also bandwagon fallacies use words like everyone or the majority to state that the argument is widely supported.

Bandwagon fallacies are used daily by many advertisers. Bandwagon fallacies are also used in peer pressure, religious arguments, political speeches, sports, and many other common arguments. 

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