The Double Life Of Peer Pressure

“Don’t follow bad friends and don’t do what you see your friends doing.” Growing up, my parents, teachers in school and at church, and even my older siblings, often rang these words in my ears, stressing the dangers attached to peer pressure. During my elementary and high school years when we studied subjects like Civic Education and Social Studies, peer pressure always found its way into almost every topic. For example, in discussions on “factors that cause drug abuse” “factors that cause human trafficking and so many other vices,” peer pressure was always mentioned. Why is this? This is because humans, particularly youths, tend to imitate their mates to fit into the group. A typical instance is an innocent child who grew up in a cultured home only to find himself in another setting- probably in school where those around him are smokers, drinkers, and partygoers. His friends might taunt him, calling him a kid because he doesn’t smoke and drink. The kid might now feel pressured to start doing what they do to fit into the society.

Peer pressure is often associated with vices. However, the big question is that; can it be a positive force in our lives. Can peer pressure bring out the light in us indeed of instilling us with darkness? Well, in my opinion, peer pressure can both be negative and positive, it all depends on the people you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with smokers, drinkers, and drug addicts, it is only a matter of time before you start exhibiting their behaviors. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with goal-oriented people. People who are focused on succeeding and doing whatever it takes to make it big, then along the line, you’ll be pressured to join them. Today’s edition of Hive Learners prompts asks us to share our takes on pressure. Have you ever had good experiences with peer pressure?

I'm currently studying a course that involves extensive reading- novels and all kinds of other books. I make it a point to read all the books recommended by our lecturers before exams. This habit started in my first year, and my coursemates have come to know me for this. However, last semester was different. Usually, I start reading the recommended books during vacation so it’d be easier for me to analyze them when we resume. But last semester, I totally closed my books and decided not to touch them till school resumed. Instead of reading, I was more focused on Hive, anime, and most importantly, my project. I started working on my project and that really took up my time. Instead of trying to juggle school books with my project and Hive, I abandoned the recommended books and focused on the latter.

It was like this till the middle of the semester. I knew I wasn’t doing the right thing, but I needed the right motivation to snap me out of that phase. My close friends had been reading for a long time. Whenever we came to school for classes, I’d hear them discuss the books they had read and the ones they planned to read next.

The striking moment came when my study mates gathered in a corner and were discussing the books they had read. Somehow, my legs started waking and I found myself in their midst. I couldn’t understand what they were discussing because I’d not read the books, not even one. I felt empty and I didn’t like that feeling. So, when I got home that day, I cleaned the dust off my books and started reading. After about 3 weeks of back to back reading, I was able to catch up with them. Thanks to peer pressure, I was able to read all the recommended books. Seeing my coursemates reading and discussing books snapped me out of that phase. Not only did I strive to be like them in a positive way, but I also put in more effort to surpass them.

In summary, peer pressure is not always negative. When you hear the term, “peer pressure,” I’m sure it is difficult to conjure vivid images of positive things in your head. However, peer pressure can be positive. As I mentioned above, it all depends on the people you surround yourself with.

Thanks for reading.