Peer Pressure & The Brain
Peer pressure is the influence from members of one's peer group. It can influence people’s mind into doing many things whether it is in a positive or negative way, however it is mostly seen as negative. Peer pressure plays a big part in teenagers lives since they seem to be easily influenced. In particular, peer pressure influences the use of drugs on many teens. When being pressured to do something that you know comes with consequences, it allows you to think of the risks you are taking, and also what you gain from it. Many young teens feel the need to “fit in” which is why they get influenced in the first place. Teens get peer pressured into doing drugs by also being talked into it and not realizing how bad it can be. Seeing other taking drugs can make a person want to try it as well, especially when it is your group doing it. Peer pressure is not impossible to avoid and kids should be encouraged to say no to peer pressure without feeling like the “loser” of a group. Teens should be able to define what is right and what is wrong. Peer pressure has been going on for years and is still constantly going on. It makes the minds of many influenced to do certain things because of their peers.