Pressure exerted upon by friends which can probably cause an immense change in the character or attitude of the individual. A person affected by peer pressure may or may not want to belong to these groups. They either voluntary become a part of it, or are forced into it by people. Youth peer pressure is considered as one of the most frequently occurring pressure as this occurs during socializing agendas in a young individuals life. It is particularly common because most youth spend large amounts of time in fixed groups in their schools or colleges. In addition to this, they may lack the maturity to handle pressure from their very own friends who might influence them to perform activities which are unusual. Young people who are unaware of what is wrong and right, usually fall prey to peer pressure. However, youth peer pressure can also have positive effects. For example, if one is involved with a group of people that are ambitious and working to succeed, the youth might feel pressured and this would help him improve his abilities to step forward in life so that he would not feel ignored by his peers.
At times the youth is pressurized by themselves when they prefer to be in the most elite groups of friends which in their terms would mean an extravagant “Social Status”. Therefore, the youth would be pressured into improving themselves, bettering them in the long run. This is most commonly seen in youths that are active in sports or other extracurricular activities where a close connection with one’s peer group is strongest. Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they don’t go along with the group. Others go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that everyone is in a running herd mentality and can influence some kids to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind.
Peer pressure is faced by all age groups, from children to teens to adults. A child may demand a bicycle from his parents because all his friends have got one, and thus doesn’t want to feel left out. In adults, peer pressure exists to a great extent. These activities reflect in the daily life of people where they demand for luxury items in order to meet their social group requirements and to feel an integral part of it throughout. Peer pressure is one thing that all teens have in common and it is fast and recurring behavior amongst the teenagers. No matter how popular you are, how well liked you may be or how together you feel, sooner or later you will have to face peer pressure.
One comes across this behavior all the time throughout life’s various aspects, be it at work or college. It depends on every individual how he takes it up and walks through the phases of life along with his close friends without being much influenced and keeping his own originality.
53 Comments