PEER PRESSURE: THE GEN Z'S REALITY.

 PEER PRESSURE: THE GEN Z'S REALITY

Peer pressure is a topic we might have heard countless times. It probably seems boring now. Our parents, lecturers and generally older people in our lives have talked on and on about this topic. This being said, most students wouldn't want to listen to or read about anything about peer pressure. However, it is a reality in our lives, so we have to hear about it, think about it and talk about it.

Peer pressure is defined as the influence from one's peer group otherwise known as one's age group, meaning it can be negative or positive. Peer pressure can influence someone to read their books and influence another person to start using hard drugs. This being said, it can be seen that there is no one peer pressure can't affect, including the adults that advise us not to fall victim to it.

Peer pressure is more common among children, teenagers and young adults because they still have malleable minds. It should however be noted that peer pressure is normal as even the littlest feelings or actions that are considered nothing may be caused by peer pressure. 

Furthermore, the mere feeling of peer pressure is absolutely normal, however the actions it may lead some people to is what is wrong. For instance, a common notion in the lives of young adults today is that the iPhone is superior to android phones; a teenager using an android phone wanting to use an iPhone and wishing their parents buy such for them is normal, however, it becomes dangerous when said teenager starts engaging in acts like prostitution and cyberfraud to get such a phone.

How do we reduce the negative effects of peer pressure in our society today? A major way to do this is by keeping good friends. This is one thing students are tired of hearing, but chances are that if someone who is a drug addict is your friend, you'll be tempted to try drugs one day. And if you must be friends with such people, try not to follow them to events where such acts will be rampant. 

In conclusion, every human is subject to influence and social principles. But we should all try as much as possible to not let influences lead us to where our values do not accept. Every person has their personal goals and it would be disheartening for a person with a bright future and amazing goals to get their life ruined by peer pressure.

Oluwafolajimi Faniran 

Mass communication and media technology 

100 level