When and how peer pressure happens?

Peer pressure is when a person is influenced by their peers to do something (usually something negative) that they ordinarily would not do. This can range from minor things such as smoking drinking or using drugs to major life decisions such as who to date what career to pursue or which college to attend. It usually occurs in situations where people are trying to fit in with a certain group such as in a school or social setting. Peer pressure can happen in several different ways such as:

• Direct Pressure When peers directly encourage or pressure someone to do something.
• Indirect Pressure When peers imply or suggest something should be done.
• Social Comparison When someone is influenced by what their peers are doing or what they have.

Peer pressure can happen at any age though it is particularly common in adolescence. It is important to remember that peer pressure is not always a bad thing it can also be a positive influence such as encouraging someone to do well in school or join a club or team. The key is to recognize when peer pressure is positive and when it is negative and to make sure you are making decisions for yourself instead of for someone else.