Are you sometimes bothered by peer pressure, the strong feeling that you must follow the footsteps of other people of your age? What are the advantages or disadvantages of peer pressure? Write a 300-word expository essay to get across your idea.
It is common that we experience peer pressure, which is also called peer influence. We will adopt a certain type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of our "peers". We are likely to have experienced the effect of peer pressure in many different areas. Peer pressure have both advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some disadvantages. Teens are very quick and accurate in making decisions on their own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they make decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often influenced by factors like peers. In a recent study, teen volunteers played a video driving game, either alone or with friends watching. The researchers discovered that the number of risks teens took more than doubled when their friends were watching, compared with when they played alone. This shows that teens may find it more difficult to control risky behavior when their friends are around, or in situations where they are extremely angry.
Peer pressure also has disadvantages. Just as people can influence us to make unwise choices, they can also bring positive influence. A student whose friends are good at academics may be urged to study harder and get good grades. A teen might join in a volunteer project because his or her friends are doing it. Study groups and class projects are examples of positive peer groups that encourage people to make themselves better.
Although we always influenced by peer pressure, whether we receive positive effects or negative ones, it depends on ourselves. We should make full use of the advantages of peer pressure, and keep away from its disadvantages.
