bandwagon effect
noun
: the phenomenon by which the growing success of something (such as a cause, fad, or type of behavior) attracts more widespread support or adoption as more people perceive and are influenced by its increasing popularity
During recent presidential elections it has become vital for candidates to win early party primaries in several states to start a bandwagon effect. Most people withhold support and contributions until they are sure the candidate has a good chance to win. Campaign "momentum" is highly prized because it creates a bandwagon effect that brings even more supporters into the fold.—Hy Ruchlis et al.
Researchers have found two factors that may account for momentum's success. I call the first the bandwagon effect. As a stock keeps outperforming the market, more and more investors "discover" it and jump on board—propelling it even further ahead of the market and seducing still more buyers.—Mark Hulbert
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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