Peer pressure can take many forms. It can be due to individual or more than one peers attempting to force conformity. There can be interpersonal competition along with jealousy or hate. It can be due to cliques and unofficially established pecking orders. Now add in technology and peer pressure has mutated and can be applied in other ways besides in direct circumstances.
Peer Pressure: How Technology is Making it Worse
Technology as it is known has led to varying influences and its advancement is probably making it a challenge for many. While there are various fields technology is proving to have a great impact, many are overseeing the aspect of peer pressure and technology. Gone are the days when your child had to be in the same room or environment. This is commonly termed as tech-peer pressure.
Peer pressure and social media
Looking at the different influences in peer pressure, you will be shocked to know that the biggest factor currently is social network. You name it… Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp just to mention but a few. With this, teens have the ability to influence each other anywhere across the globe. With this, parents fear just got worse and they are less likely to control the situation thanks to all the gadgets that can access the internet.
Peer pressure and technology is getting worse psychologically as social media seems to normalize “the bad” rather than condemn it. With everyone airing their life on social media, it can be devastating not to keep up with friends. While online, teens will see their age mates “living the life” and while they are probably miles away from each other, the impact remains heavy on the others.
On social media, it seems like everyone is doing what you once heard is a taboo. It becomes difficult to convince others that it is wrong. Even worse, with the advancement in technology, peer pressure is bound to retain its global impact. For example, you will find that what is normal in Asia is not in Africa. This said, you may find Asians posting photos on Instagram with a clothing design that is readily accepted in their culture but when the same clothing is in Africa, it portrays something very different.
Peer pressure and Apps
Currently, there are millions of Apps and still increasing in number. How are Apps affecting peer pressure?
Peer pressure will normally get teens to change their lifestyle all in the name of fitting in. Apps have been created with the aim of easing or quickening different aspects of life. For example, you can use the different Apps to edit images so they turn out better if not perfect and flawless. Teens love the perfect life and, in such cases, you will see photos on social media that make life seem just great.
A clear example is an edited photo that will show clear and smooth skin with an outstanding background. Every teen will want such a similar life. In turn, cases of weird surgeries are increasing as they think they can attain a perfect body and look. Teens will also be willing to try different products to attain a similar look and in many cases, they end up going rogue.
When it comes to peer pressure and technology, teens are using technology both intentionally as well as non-intentionally to promote peer pressure. While technology is advancing with the aim of bettering peoples lives, it has also come with some negative effects. It is all about who and how it is being used.
