Final answer:
Social learning theory explains how individuals learn and internalize behaviors and norms from their social circles through processes such as observational learning and reciprocal determinism. It covers the interactions of cognitive processes, behavior, and context, which collectively influence an individual's perception and actions within social environments, including online social media.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Social learning theory does explain how an individual may adopt certain behaviors, values, and norms based on the social circles they engage with. This theory posits that individuals learn from observing others in their social environment and may define activities in a positive light if they perceive these activities as being rewarded or valued within the social circle. For instance, observational learning and reciprocal determinism are key aspects of social learning theory that contribute to understanding how individuals are influenced by their social interactions.
According to Albert Bandura, the process of reciprocal determinism includes cognitive processes, behavior, and context interacting with each other. This interaction shapes an individual’s personality and behavior patterns over time. Observational learning, another component of social learning theory, involves learning from the behavior of others and the consequences of such behavior, further influencing the socialization process and the perceptions of what is deemed positive within a given social circle.
The influence of social circles is not just limited to offline interactions but extends to social media and online platforms, where individuals select peer networks that often reinforce existing beliefs, showing that social learning occurs in diverse contexts, including virtual ones.