Over the years peer pressure has made a big impact in adolescent decision making – for better or worse.

At first, peer pressure would happen during face to face interactions; however, social media has played a big part in the development of peer pressure. 

It’s easier to access someone online through social media. It has evolved from rumors and in person engagement. It has become random people, close friends, family members pressuring one another through social media platforms, hiding behind a username.

It is not about kids pressuring one another to skip school and hang out at different places. People want to go viral.There is constant pressure to be the next internet sensation, become a social media influencer and seek that social attention.

There are many different forms of peer pressure. Whether it is through social media, athletics, clothing, and changing things about yourself.

Not only does peer pressure impact one’s social skills it also impacts mental health.

“It gives me anxiety, and it makes me overthink about a lot of things if I’m getting pressured. It might cause me to go into a panic attack. Things go through one ear and out the other,” senior Haley Hart said.

Now how will peer pressure affect the future? The evolving dynamics of peer pressure continue to reflect a broader societal shift influenced by new athletics, social media platforms, and changing fashion trends.

In the face of peer pressure and its growing evolution, we should harness that growth and use it to empower ourselves to shape a positive future of beneficial peer pressure for future students.