Young people are often influenced in their behaviors by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages. Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
It is common for young people in the same group to influence each other. Many perceive this as an essential phenomenon although others contend of its potential drawbacks. In my opinion, the negative implications of peer pressure on youngsters overshadow its significance.
Many people who consider peer pressure as necessary emphasize on its opportunities for youngsters to better against one another. This is mainly because young people love to prove their worth and the influence from their peers might cater to healthy competitions to succeed in various aspects. Not only this would help them to acknowledge their shortcomings but also motivates them to work harder. This is particularly true given that many youngsters form mastermind groups to prepare for competitive examinations as such pressure could influence them positively to bring out their best effort.
Nonetheless, due to peer influence, there are many young people who have broken up emotionally and have indulged into many wrong doings. Youngsters are very curious of the happenings around them and hence, can easily be influenced. Some may feel disheartened witnessing their peers succeeding in life where many lose their faith in themselves. Additionally, there are many reported cases of young people falling prey for bad companies and turning to illicit activities. This is evident in many studies where teenagers who admitted of using any illegal substances had at least one close friend who is addicted to the same.
In conclusion, it is believed by many that the influence of young people by others of the same age category is advantageous while others disapprove to this. In my perspective, despite some marginal benefits in performance betterment, peer influence is largely negative due to its adverse consequences on the well-being of the youngsters.