First let's understand what peer pressure is.
It means how the behaviour of a person is influenced by someone with similar abilities or someone of similar age, social status, or belonging to the same group of friends.
Most of us have a strong desire to fit in, to follow the in-trend, and - especially as teenagers - we’re extremely sensitive to being picked on, made fun of or being called out because of our “differences”. It is for that reason we have a strong desire to follow what our peers tell us to do. There is the constant fear of being called out for not being “skinny'', “cool” or for being “nerds”, or not following trends, even when we don’t realise it.
Peer pressure plays a big role in our lives and it influences almost every choice we make - the kind of music we like, the clothes we wear, what we eat
and, sometimes, it also influences our lifestyle. This is seen, for instance, in the constant craving for ‘aesthetic’ rooms (but only the aesthetic that’s popular now) or having LED lights in our rooms, or even the trend of having a ‘glow up’ during the 2020 lockdown period. Honestly, I’ve felt like being a part of every single one of these trends.
But what are the impacts of peer pressure? Are the impacts always negative?
Peer pressure has different impacts on our lives. Sometimes it makes us do things that are bad for us and often it leads to the rise of jealousy, body shaming (usually body shaming our own bodies), anxiety, depression, distraction, and more. Sometimes, there is the pressure to engage in risky behavior (which can result in changes in our own behaviour). We feel urged to do something that goes against our own values or ethics.
For instance, nowadays underaged teens drink alcoholic drinks while hanging out with their friends, feeling obligated or pressured to do the same, even when it's against what they believe or follow. It would be one thing if they drank alcohol because they WANT to, but often, what happens is that there is this ‘invisible’ peer pressure to drink. Meaning, even if no one forces them to, they’ll still feel pressured into drinking simply because everyone else is.
While these are the negative impacts of peer pressure, there are some positive impacts too that need to be considered. Friends can push each other to try out new things, and they can provide the feeling of being supported by someone. Through ‘peer pressure’, people often gain new experiences. Sometimes, all we need is a little push so that we can do something we’ve always really wanted to but have lacked the courage to do so. Maybe you’re a really shy person, who doesn’t enjoy public speaking but, because all your friends will be attending a symposium, they want you to join them. Even if initially you don’t want to, you may finally relent and end up taking part in the symposium. While there’s a chance you may hate it and want to go back home, there’s also a chance that you’ll discover a new passion. Regardless of the outcome, you’d have experienced something new and out of your comfort-zone. Isn’t that what your teenage years are for?
However, if you deem the peer pressure you face in your life as negative you may want to know how to cope with peer pressure.
Your first priority would be to identify whether what you’re experiencing is peer pressure or not. So, these are some signs that help identify peer pressure:
Avoiding school or other social situations
Being very image-conscious
Changes in behavior
Expressing feelings like you don't fit in
Low moods
Making social comparisons
Having trouble sleeping
And this is how you can cope with it:
Be friends with the right people, those people who don't force you to do something you don't like
Talk to the person who is pressuring you let them know how you feel and ask them to stop
Walk away from the situation if you find it hard to tell them
Build self esteem and self confidence
Stay around and socialize with good people
Talk to your parents or someone you are comfortable with and let them know what you are facing so they can help.
Peer pressure is not a black-and-white issue, there are shades of grey; there are both negative and positive results. It is critical to remember if someone feels uncomfortable about something you do (if you’re forcing them to do something, for example), be quick to stop and apologise. Similarly let others know if you feel apprehensive or uncomfortable about someone else’s controlling or forceful behavior. Be confident.
And remember it's not necessary for you to live the same life as that Netflix show protagonist. Just be yourself and don't let others shape or control the way you live. Do what you want, because you want to do it. Be skinny, be fit, be a big eater, wear what you like and not what others want you to.
Be whatever you want to be; just be your comfortable and real self!
I love this!!
ReplyDelete