Choosing one type of garment or another, opting for a particular university degree or even getting married, these decisions are not always free. Social pressure is present in all aspects of a person's life and often manages to affect preferences, opinions and even the direction taken. It is a psychosocial phenomenon in which individuals are influenced by the masses in such a way that they can alter their values, thoughts, behavior and attitude in order to be accepted and taken as one by the rest. That is, everything to avoid rejection or simply to be liked by others, as psychologist Brenda Ruano Bodemer points out.
Giving in to social pressure carries the risk of becoming accustomed to acting in the way others expect, preventing one from building one's own identity. But the specialist warns that, in addition, this does not even guarantee that it will work. That is, these changes in behavior motivated by how one believes they will be accepted by others can be a success or the opposite.
Despite its negative connotations, social pressure is neither positive nor negative. However, it is sometimes used as a method of persuasion or manipulation, since it is capable of altering the principles, ethics and morals of individuals. And this happens during all stages of life, although, especially, in adolescence, when the need to belong to a social group is very pronounced, according to psychologist Nahum Montagud Rubio. Reason why at those ages “young people are so impressionable.”
Other factors also have to do with giving in to social pressure, such as low self-esteem and a feeling of inferiority, which stimulates the need to receive recognition from others. Other causes are the feeling of social rejection or difficulties when relating, or a lack of affection.
You have to learn to say no. That is the first recommendation that Brenda Ruano Bodemer shares to avoid falling into social pressure. Or what is the same, get used to establishing limits whenever necessary. The specialist warns that this will not make it easier, since the social pressure will probably still be there. Going against what social pressure “demands” implies prior reflection: “it requires having very clear what you think and want in your life,” she explains.
And for this it is key to give yourself time before responding, for example, when sharing an opinion. It doesn't have to be at that moment if you are not sure, it is possible to save those thoughts and reflect on it.
Another key to not falling into social pressure has to do with knowing what one's values are and having one's own criteria. This will make a difference when it comes to taking a certain stance on an issue.
