THE GOOD & THE BAD of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is an influence from the members of one's peer group. It is very common in today's world and is prevalent mostly among teenagers. They are influenced to follow their peers by changing their attitude, values or behavior. In order to pick up skills and techniques that they use in their own life, children are always searching for behaviors and attitudes that they can co-opt. Peer pressure has been called a hallmark of adolescent experience. Peer conformity in young people is most pronounced with respect to styles, taste, appearance, ideology and values. The impact of peer pressure can be negative as well as positive. Teenagers can also set positive examples for each other, and are drawn to other teens sharing the same interests or hobbies. For example, a teenager who is hesitant about indulging in a new activity or club might be more likely to take a chance when pressured by peers. Peers can help each other develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities. Peer pressure can also have a negative impact when an individual is directed towards indulging im wrong activities like smoking, taking drugs, stealing and many other activities which can harm not only the individual but the society as well.

The impact of peer pressure depends upon an individual and the peer group which he/she is a part of. Negative company always directs towards wrong activities and positive company always helps to make us a good individual. So, one should learn to say no to negative peer pressure and should stay away from such peers.