Feeling the need to be accepted or to meet others expectations is a direct result of peer pressure. When we value the opinions and acceptance of our peers it may influence us to act according to others standards around us. With the world constantly changing and people evolving, peer pressure will too. forms of peer pressure don’t fit into any single category because it can be found everywhere including now on social media. Especially when whatever is being asked of you is usually the defining factor of how some people will view you as a person. Getting “peer pressured” is no joke. It can be very intense and can often lead to feeling inferior to others or losing confidence in yourself. The majority of students can validate that they’ve felt peer pressured at least once before in school and its hard to say no to the people you’re surrounded with for a significant time.
While peers can be a positive supporting factor in a young person’s life to develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities, negative peers can also do the opposite. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure. This pressure can happen in person or on social media in today’s digital world. However its not just drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure can also be engaging in explicit acts on social media one wouldn’t engage in without influence.
It may not be as simple as saying no as some people would claim but advice from kidshealth.org states that to be confident in your answers will usually result in less adamant questions. Be confident with what YOU know is and isn’t right.
