Peer Pressure: Facing Challenges

Negative and Positive Side of Peer Pressure

Peers are the individuals with whom we identifies ourselves, who are usually but not always of the same group. We all want to be part of a group and feel like we belong in a community. Peer Pressure can happen when we are influenced to do something we usually would not do and stop us from doing something we are willing to do.

Likewise, peer pressure can also be experienced at any age and in any situation as peers usually come from a common social circle. Our peers tend to be those individuals with whom we identify the most with. As we get older and our definition of what constitutes a social circle can also change. 

Peer pressure is usually thought of in a negative light, but in reality, it is not always a bad thing. Sometimes peer pressure can positively influence people. On the other hand, blindly following peers and not holding an opinion of your own might leave a negative impact on your life. 

Positive Peer Pressure:

Positive peer pressure is when peers encourage to do something positive or push to grow in a beneficial way. Since there is a huge diversity in human behaviour, exposure to peer pressure will give you a good opportunity to analyse the likes and viewpoints of different people. Peers might even inspire you to bring about a constructive change in your life. Therefore, peer pressure can also have a positive impact on your life and can actually lead you to make the right choices for yourself. Here are a few examples:

• Motivate a friend to study harder  
• Saving money for a big purchase and encouraging friends to do the same.
• Discouraging illegal or risky behavior

Negative Peer Pressure:

This pressure can challenge individuals to do things they usually may not do and engage in such behaviors because others are doing so and it is a way to belong. There might be any particular idea, a habit, or a lifestyle which you personally dislike and would not willing to accept. However, your peer group wants you to do something which is against your own will. As a result, you take a wrong decision and may land yourself in deep sorrow and feel remorseful about the whole situation. Furthermore, you lose your identity by surrendering to peer pressure. Here are the few examples:

• Convincing a friend to bunk school
• Encouraging your peer to fight or bully someone
• Pressuring a friend to try drinking or drugs

Fighting Peer Pressure:

Peer pressure can be tough to deal with, the desire to fit in is completely normal, and most people feel this way their entire lives. Combating the peer pressure can be challenging but it is essential that you know what your personal values are and where you stand about certain things.

Some ways to handle it include first being aware about the situation and environment you’re in when the peer pressure is happening. Talking about your feelings and setting boundaries is another way to ensure you are comfortable in an environment. Some strategies like plan ahead, learn to give an excuse, build freindships with the right people, etc. helps to cope with peer pressure. Dealing after analysing the situation is a good way to stay out of trouble and keep your life on track.