Although peer pressure is seen as a negative expression of human interactions, it can have positive effects provided that promoted behavior is helpful to society or people individually.
Peer pressure is a natural phenomenon occurring in any social context.
People are prone to comparing themselves to others, particularly those of their age group.
Group behavior is a powerful motivator because acting differently makes people feel like outcasts.
The more people are engaging in an activity, the stronger is the belief that it should encompass everyone.
However, a group can also pursue toxic habits or promote negative ideas and actions.
Therefore, peer pressure can lead to damaging repercussions for both the group and the individuals.
Peer pressure is generally associated with a negative influence on individuals.
A person is pressured to comply with the majority’s opinions and behaviors, disregarding their actual value.
The personal choice or lack of agreement is discredited in favor of a group because of the belief that group thinking is correct.
The pressure can be external when people verbally persuade peers to comply, and internal, when a person is psychologically drawn to the examples of group behavior.
Peer pressure can force people to conform to unlawful conduct or damaging habits.
Children and adolescents are especially susceptible to social influence from peers due to the inexperience and absence of adequate judgment.
As a result, peer pressure is condemned and discouraged in society as a primarily disruptive factor in intrapersonal relationships.
Peer pressure is not necessarily a negative expression of social influence.
Negativity is not a prerequisite for group pressure to occur.
People are driven to numerous examples rather than their moral connotations (Georganas et al. 9).
If enough helpful actions and behavior are evident, peer pressure can be formed, which drives people to engage in positive activities.
Peer pressure can highlight the aspects of life, which appear to be normal, but are in reality, harmful.
People choose whether to adhere to the specific example or follow their own set of principles unaffected by collective decision-making.
When an individual feels pressured to accomplish something against their will, they resist mentally and verbally to the propagated values.
Thus, a person who does not conform to social influence has the capability to distinguish group disillusionment and pinpoint the destructive aspects of collective behavior.
Individuals should be educated to spot inappropriate conduct and provide normative feedback (Studer et al. 17).
Overall, peer pressure benefits society by encouraging civil diligence and moral responsibility.
There are numerous examples of the positive effects of peer behavior.
The more people live a healthy lifestyle, the stronger is health promotion and health in general.
The more productive employees are at work, the more their colleagues are motivated to increase their own efficiency.
The more people are encouraged to speak up about societal issues, the more feedback the authorities will receive.
Subsequently, it is evident that peer pressure can influence people to engage in helpful behavior.
Conclusion
Peer pressure can have positive effects not only because both helpful and damaging behaviors can be promoted but also due to the fact that group disillusionments shows blind spots in societal actions and beliefs.
Works Cited
Georganas, Sotiris, Mirco Tonin, and Michael Vlassopoulos. “Peer Pressure and Productivity: The Role of Observing and Being Observed.” Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, no. 7523, 2015, pp. 1-18.
Studer, Joseph, et al. “Risky Substance Use and Peer Pressure in Swiss Young Men: Test of Moderation Effects.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 168, 2016, pp. 89-98.