The influencing power of peer pressure

New research shows that, when making a decision, teens think about both the risks and rewards of their actions and behaviors—but, unlike adults, teens are more likely to ignore the risk in favor of the reward. In a NIDA-funded studyteens driving with their friends in the car were more likely to take risks—like speeding through yellow lights—if they knew that two or more of their friends were watching.

Use this if you just want the body text! Printer-friendly format, with images Removes other content, and advertising, but images remain. Use this if you want to print out pictures alongside the body text! Close First published Say you're sitting around with some friends playing video games and someone mentions a particular game that happens to be one of your favorites.

So not worth the time," one of your friends says dismissively. Inwardly, you know that it is a game you happen to enjoy quite a lot but, outwardly, not wanting to debate the issue, you go along with the crowd. You have just experienced what is commonly referred to as peer pressure.

It is probably more accurate to refer to this as peer influence, or social influence to adopt a particular type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of your equals "peers".

As a teen, it's likely you've experienced the effect of peer influence in a number of different areas, ranging from the clothes you wear to the music you listen to.

Peer influence is not necessarily a bad thing. We are all influenced by our peers, both negatively and positively, at any age. For teens, as school and other activities take you away from home, you may spend more time with your friends than you do with your parents and siblings.

As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a greater role in your life. Sometimes, though, particularly in emotional situations, peer influence can be hard to resist—it really has become "pressure"—and you may feel compelled to do something you're uncomfortable with.

What scientific research tells us about peer influence "There are two main features that seem to distinguish teenagers from adults in their decision making," says Laurence Steinberg, a researcher at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Second, teenagers in general are still learning to control their impulses, to think ahead, and to resist pressure from others.

Casey from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, teens are very quick and accurate in making judgments and decisions on their own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they have to make decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often influenced by external factors like peers.

What the researchers discovered was that the number of risks teens took in the driving game more than doubled when their friends were watching as compared to when the teens played the game alone.

The Art of Getting Others to Follow Your Lead

This outcome indicates that teens may find it more difficult to control impulsive or risky behaviors when their friends are around, or in situations that are emotionally charged. The positive side While it can be hard for teens to resist peer influence sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, it can also have a positive effect.

Just as people can influence others to make negative choices, they can also influence them to make positive ones. A teen might join a volunteer project because all of his or her friends are doing it, or get good grades because the social group he or she belongs to thinks getting good grades is important.

In fact, friends often encourage each other to study, try out for sports, or follow new artistic interests.

Peer pressure - Wikipedia

In this way, peer influence can lead teens to engage in new activities that can help build strong pathways in the brain. What Brain Science Reveals," neural connections that are weak or seldom used are removed during adolescence through a process called synaptic pruning, allowing the brain to redirect precious resources toward more active connections.

This means that teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape their own brain development. Therefore, skill-building activities—such as those physical, learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive peer influence—not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build strong pathways in the brain.

How Influence Works

While we are constantly influenced by those around us, ultimately the decision to act or not to act is up to us as individuals. So when it comes to decision making, the choice is up to you.Influencing and Communicating With Leaders and Peers Partnership for Public Service May , "Peers and Peer Pressure" is the property of its rightful owner.

Do you have PowerPoint slides to share? If so, share your PPT presentation slides online with benjaminpohle.com It's FREE! So Gandhi created Digital Green — a platform and process for extending knowledge and influencing behavior, 77% of their neighbors turned down their air conditioning then also turned down theirs — a classic example of the power of peer pressure.

there is a layer of peer pressure once removed.

• Peer Pressure: Its Influence on Teens and Decision Making | Scholastic: Nida
• PPT – Peers and Peer Pressure PowerPoint presentation | free to view - id: MGVjN

You have just experienced what is commonly referred to as peer pressure. It is probably more accurate to refer to this as peer influence, or social influence to adopt a particular type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of your equals ("peers").

The Power of Influence Want to affect the world? You have more power than you think.

How Influence Works - The Elements of Power

Posted May 03, SHARE. his disdain for the influence of peer pressure (I presume shown to me for the. power of peer pressure and how easily people can succumb to groupthink.

Henslin, () noted that „groupthink‟ if not prevented can lead to the destruction of a society‟. Dec 12,  · We often think that we have far more control over our actions than we really do.

According to a new study, peer pressure has the power to weaken our resolve significantly, and even prompt us to.