Dr. Phil In one Minute

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In life, one of the most influential factors is those who are around us. A majority of the people in society, including ourselves, obsess over how others view us. The shorter term for this is peer pressure. Those mostly effected by peer pressure, are sadly teens.

While we are so busy trying to figure out our places in this world, peer pressure surrounds us with thoughts like, “I wonder how my friends would react if I did this” or “Would my classmates laugh if I did that?”  Logically speaking, there are reasons why we think so much about the thoughts of those surrounding us.

            Peer pressure is all about acceptance. Everyone wants to be accepted. We all have this secret insecure fear of being alone, unloved and unwanted. So, when that kid in English Class brags about “getting high” at that party last Friday night, our subconscious starts using a mind all of its own. It starts thinking, “If your not like the general population, they won’t accept you, and so you too should get high.”

            This really shouldn’t be true. Actually, over the past few years the trends have shifted. Instead of trying to be “normal,” the new “normal” is being different; in a great way. Unique. Today’s society puts a huge emphasis on individuality.

So, according to logic, when you pass on that joint the chances are greater they will respect you for thinking on your own. In reality, on the other hand, for some reason I could look into some other time, they will most likely laugh hysterically at you, and look at you like you’re some little child.

Option two is more realistic, while option one makes more sense. In light of this revelation, we must ask ourselves, how do we find the balance between trying to be accepted, and not compromising our morals and beliefs?