Drunk individuals tend to respect authority, a fact highlighted by an incident in which a group of inebriated people were observed to be more compliant with police orders than their sober counterparts. This phenomenon, known as the Drunken Bum Theory, suggests that those under the influence of alcohol are more likely to follow directives from figures of authority.
In a real-world example, a group of drunk people were seen to immediately comply with a police officer’s instruction to leave a public area. Surprisingly, this occurred without any resistance or argument, contrasting the typical expectation of unruly or defiant behaviour from intoxicated individuals.
The theory also extends to the online world, where users are more likely to respect and follow rules when they understand the consequences of non-compliance. This is seen in online communities such as Flickr, where users are more likely to respect the community guidelines when they are clearly explained and enforced.
The Drunken Bum Theory is a useful concept, applicable in a variety of contexts, from managing public spaces to moderating online communities. It underscores the importance of clear communication of rules and the enforcement of consequences for non-compliance.
Go to source article: https://caterina.net/2016/06/06/drunk-people-respect-authority/