Descriptive norms refer to the behaviors that are commonly observed within a specific group or society. They represent what most people do in a given situation, providing a benchmark for acceptable behavior. For example, if most people in a community recycle their waste, this behavior becomes a descriptive norm that others may follow. These norms can influence individual actions and decisions, as people often look to others for guidance on how to behave. When individuals perceive that a behavior is widely practiced, such as smoking or exercising, they may be more likely to adopt that behavior themselves, believing it to be the standard.