The social attitude (in the article we will also use the term "attitude" from the English "attitude" - "attitude") - a person's tendency to commit a certain social behavior. It is assumed that it has a complex structure and includes a number of components: as a consequence, act on a social object (or phenomenon) in some way.

The social installation performs four main functions:

Protection function: facilitates the resolution of internal conflicts.
Function of expression: attitude is a means of liberating a person from inner tension, as well as expressing oneself as a person.
The function of knowledge: a social setting provides simplified guidance on the mode of behavior in relation to a particular object.
Adaptive: directs a person to those objects that serve the achievement of his goals.
Well and most importantly: with the help of attitudes, socialization takes place.

It is worth noting that the social setting is formed gradually, sometimes even imperceptibly. What we summarize today, in three weeks, becomes a persuasive conviction.

Within a person's thinking, a certain algorithm (program) operates, which is formed on the basis of generalizations and estimates. It facilitates the work of the brain: it does not have to expend energy each time to evaluate and analyze the phenomenon, it already has a certain scheme (verdict, installation) that allows you to act quickly - without the expense of time and resources.

In this regard, it is worthwhile to understand that such social settings can both help and hinder. We make decisions faster, focus on the main thing. On the other hand, patterns of behavior can lead a person to the wrong way.