Peer groups really affect how we act because of something called social influence.
Social influence means that we can change what we think, feel, or do based on what others around us are doing. Sometimes, this is good, and sometimes, it's not.
Conformity: Teenagers often wear clothes like their friends. They might follow trends even if they don’t really like them. This is called conformity, which is when people change their behaviors to fit in with their group.
Normative Social Influence: Some people might start smoking or drinking because they think it’s what everyone does in their friend group, even if they don’t really want to.
Informational Social Influence: When someone is unsure about what to do, they might look to their friends for help. For example, a student may decide on a study method because they saw their friends doing well with it.
Knowing about social influence is important because it helps us to:
Understand Group Dynamics: By seeing how friends can change our behavior, we can create better ways to help people change for the better.
Promote Positive Changes: If we encourage good influences from friends, we can help others make healthier choices, like joining sports teams or being honest in school.
In short, our peer groups have a huge impact on how we act. Social influence plays a powerful role in our lives.
Peer groups really affect how we act because of something called social influence.
Social influence means that we can change what we think, feel, or do based on what others around us are doing. Sometimes, this is good, and sometimes, it's not.
Conformity: Teenagers often wear clothes like their friends. They might follow trends even if they don’t really like them. This is called conformity, which is when people change their behaviors to fit in with their group.
Normative Social Influence: Some people might start smoking or drinking because they think it’s what everyone does in their friend group, even if they don’t really want to.
Informational Social Influence: When someone is unsure about what to do, they might look to their friends for help. For example, a student may decide on a study method because they saw their friends doing well with it.
Knowing about social influence is important because it helps us to:
Understand Group Dynamics: By seeing how friends can change our behavior, we can create better ways to help people change for the better.
Promote Positive Changes: If we encourage good influences from friends, we can help others make healthier choices, like joining sports teams or being honest in school.
In short, our peer groups have a huge impact on how we act. Social influence plays a powerful role in our lives.