The Evolution of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure has evolved from rumors and face-to-face engagement in a community where someone grew up. It has become random people, close friends, family members, or acquaintances, pressuring one another through social media platforms, often hiding behind a username.

It is constant, regardless of where someone lives.

Teens who face peer pressure today do not have to live in the same community, town, or city as the person pressuring them. Social media means that peer pressure is everywhere all the time. The only way to get a break from social pressure today is to disconnect from social media.

It is no longer about kids pressuring one another to skip school and hang out at the mall. People want to go viral, whether an internet challenge or catching something on video. There is constant pressure to be the next internet sensation, gain more followers, become a social media influencer and seek that social reward.

It is no longer easy to avoid and can be much more challenging to manage and prevent. Fortunately, practical solutions and tips have evolved with time. Parents can still be equipped to help their kids.

Sources:

• www.pewresearch.org/ internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-mediaand-technology-2022/

• www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/socialmedia-children-teens

Reprinted with permission from www.addicted.org/supe/parents/parentsguide-to-peer-pressure