I just saw another one of those stupid Above the Influence commercials. The one with the chick who was crushed from "peer pressure" so she's like 2 feet tall. And it got me thinking. What's really so bad about peer pressure? Why is "peer pressure" such a negative term?

These commercials are only trying to replace peer pressure with parent pressure and teacher pressure. It is true that teenagers are often influenced by their peers into doing things, but this has been the case for everybody in every social group since society began. Every social group has an established set of norms which are expected of its members. It's what keeps me from picking my nose in public, carrying a purse, or going to class shirtless.

But of course, as an individual with my own free will, I am free to reject any social norm I choose to reject, so long as it doesn't harm anyone else. For example, as a college student, in my particular social culture it is normal to drink alcohol, but I choose not to because I don't particularly enjoy it. Even young people have the ability to make their own independent decisions in the face of peer pressure, and to conform to whatever social norms they choose.

Everybody has to make compromises between their individuality and following social norms. On the one hand, we want to feel like a part of a group, and on the other hand we want to establish our uniqueness. This is just part of life in society. As long as society continues to exist there will always be social norms and pressure to conform to them; it's what keeps societies together and gives their members a common identity. Most of these norms are completely harmless, and it is up to the individual to choose which ones he or she wants to adopt. If kids don't learn this stuff as a teenager while they're still learning how to socialize, they never will.
Oneironaut Reviewed by Oneironaut on . What's so bad about peer pressure? I just saw another one of those stupid Above the Influence commercials. The one with the chick who was crushed from "peer pressure" so she's like 2 feet tall. And it got me thinking. What's really so bad about peer pressure? Why is "peer pressure" such a negative term? These commercials are only trying to replace peer pressure with parent pressure and teacher pressure. It is true that teenagers are often influenced by their peers into doing things, but this has been the case for everybody in Rating: 5