SANGITA SHARMA

In the race for academic and professional achievements, depression and despair may set in, while lifestyle and social media can create stress and unending desire to be in the limelight.

As individuals we live in a society and constantly balance our individuality whilst being part of a larger group. There seems to be a thin line between being an individual on one hand and member of a community on the other. Society plays its role in shaping our thoughts and actions and within the parameters of our interactions with others, become vulnerable to what is referred to as ‘peer pressure’. The dilemma to forgo ones individuality and follow others creates what can be termed as ‘peer pressure’. Succumbing to this can kill ones individuality and in extreme cases be destructive and devastating.
Peer pressure in an individual is generally ‘self-generated’, in response to a feeling of being influenced from a peer or peer group. People change their attitude, values or behaviour, to conform and be a part of the influencing group or individuals.
As one encounters questionable social behaviour and habits of people, the need to analyse if it is caused due to peer pressure is becoming necessary; more so for the individual, as it robs him of his inborn qualities and traits.
Peer pressure is nothing new. It has been a part of the human psyche and shown both positive and negative results. Earlier, peer pressure was restricted to an individual being influenced by his immediate friends and colleagues but today it seems to have spiralled out of control.
In a highly connected world and exposure to different aspects of life, the social media is like a catalyst which sets standards for the new mantra of social acceptance. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter are some of the new peer pressures which the young and old seem to be battling either consciously or subconsciously. It’s truly baffling to see the extent to which a person can go to, so as to be heard, seen, liked, acknowledged, appreciated or followed. Logic and ground reality takes a back seat as people prefer living in a make believe world. Some common forms of peer pressure which could trickle into an individual’s life are drinking, smoking, drugs, breakdown of family values, relationships with the opposite sex, academic and professional achievements, lifestyle changes, and also the status on the social media.
In the race for academic and professional achievements, depression and despair may set in, while lifestyle and social media can create stress and unending desire to be in the limelight.
As we navigate through this beautiful journey of life, peer pressure is a challenge we need to meet with moral courage and sobriety. Early conditioning by parents and teachers does help young people to make the right choices and the older generation should rely on their inner strengths when confronted with issues related to peer pressure. It is important to have faith in one’s own self and not follow the herd. When in a dilemma to decide a particular course of action, there is one simple question that one needs to ask one’s own self; “If everyone is jumping into the well, do I need to do the same?” The logical answer to it would be “NO”. However, confronting a person suffering from peer pressure with a similar question could lead to arguments and altercations and so should be avoided.
Without forcing opinions and decisions, give the latitude to a person to decide what the right course of action is.
There is no doubt that life is ever changing and dynamic but there are certain universal truths that do not change and have stood the test of time; the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, there is day and there is night, seasons undergo cyclic changes and so forth. In the same way, there is no escaping that which is right and sacred within each one of us: Preserving and valuing the institution of marriage, maintaining healthy and respectful relationship with the opposite sex, having a balanced approach to academic and professional achievements, forgoing greed for money, power and status, having a practical and a pragmatic approach while integrating into lifestyle changes and having trust in one’s own self by seeking ‘like-minded friends’ rather than the number of ‘likes’ on the social media, are essential for the well-being of a person and helps dilute the ills of peer pressure. As individuals, family and friends, the intention should be to create ways and methods to have a happy rather than stressed out spaces to exist in.
Changes in society and family bonding are having an impact on the young and old. According to a survey conducted by Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India, there is a huge increase in the number of teenagers taking to alcohol, and one of the main reasons for this is ‘peer pressure’, besides easy spending power and access to alcohol. Reasons assigned for this behaviour is unhappiness, getting bored or simply to look ‘cool’ and ‘get high’. People seem to be blissfully unaware of the consequences of consumption of alcohol which not only amounts to deliberate self-harm but also results in high-risk sexual behaviour, liver disease, duodenal ulcer etc. Other consequences include problems like poor physical and mental health, accidents and addiction.
Taking to drugs is even more dangerous. In a state like Goa where tourism is a major industry and the floating population of tourists make it difficult to pinpoint culprits, the problem is gaining alarming proportions.
Educational institutions and the state too have a role to play in helping people suffering from disorders related to peer pressure. Access to councillors, psychiatrists, de-addiction centres is extremely necessary. Crackdown on the menace of drugs is of paramount importance as it generates crime in society.
Most forms of peer pressure are tackled well if the mind is occupied in constructive or creative work. Sports and physical exercises too contribute in keeping an individual stronger not only physically but also mentally. Participating and bonding with family members and contributing to the community by doing social work also helps to create faith in one’s own self. Warding off peer pressure and helping others to do the same will help create meaningful relationships.
“Let us value not only ourselves but others too and come together to eradicate peer pressure of all kinds.”