Summary:
Why do we tip—even when we know we’ll never see the server again? New research suggests it’s not just about rewarding good service, but about social pressure. Some people tip out of genuine appreciation, while others simply follow the norm. But here’s the twist: those who truly value great service tend to tip more than average, and everyone else adjusts upward to match them.
That is to say, there are a few people who we can clearly recognize as acting more thoughtful, respectful, and considerate and we ape them in hope of gaining some of the same social status, resetting the social norm over time.