The Sheep Factor isn't a bad name for it!
It's near what I call 'This is What People Do'....as demonstrated in the media every day.
Includes ads, but also the sort of pattern where, for instance, the city riots a little while ago were all over the TV news - and guess what, it spread all over the country.
Anyone see an Axa ad where people were walking along the pavement and belligerently and roughly pushing others out of their way? I actually complained about that one, but didn't get anywhere.
I thought of three-year-olds watching telly and having this as an example...
Once you notice it, it's very pervasive.
Parents-in-Law. What do/did you call them?
Can I use my bus pass on London buses?
Being quizzed by chemist's assistant in Boots.