There are many faces to peer pressure side effects than we might actually take notice of. A lot of people find themselves pressured because they are constantly looking for belongingness or acceptance or perhaps even attention. In children, teenagers and even adults, peer pressure comes in different forms and it takes it good and bad ends along with it. It can be as simple as buying something you won't need in the next ten years or what you can barely afford just because your peers are getting it. Although our reaction to it differ with age and maturity while some just find themselves wrapped in its web for life.
Peer pressure is the influence peers have on each other either good or bad. This can make an individual go as far as changing their entire identity to conform to those of the influencing group. It is the urge to fit in and to be a part of a group we like or look up to. Everyone experiences this social pressure at some point in their life.
One of the side effects especially in children or teenagers is self doubt and total lack of self esteem. The need to fit in drives teens to do anything possible to feel among especially if the peers can be really pressurizing. Making them loose every sense of self and begin to live and act to the tune of their peers. Without therapy or guidance this doesn't just disappear over time but becomes a part of them even when they grow older. They doubt everything they do and always feel incomplete no matter how hard they try. This will go on to affect their social behavior and even make them withdraw totally from the rest of the world.
Another side effect is mental disorders especially depression and anxiety. When people find it difficult to fit in or meet a particular expectation from their peer group and the pressure group constantly reminds them of this inability they are certain to fall into depression. In the movie "Always and forever" Peter didn't fit in because if his body mass and the kids in camp always taunted him about it which almost made him commit suicide. Unless they get help or are saved from this pressure most people eventually take their own life.
Developing bad habits is another side effect. A lot of children and teens come from different backgrounds and this shapes their behavior and thinking. They skip classes, take alcohol, smoke , cheat and steal. The rest of their peers think this is part of feeling among and find themselves doing these things and eventually get addicted to them. Even when they grow older, these habits have become embedded in them that they graduate into drug lords, thieves or killers with no remorse.
Although peer pressure can be very dangerous it can also be very good for individuals. Peers they support and help each other develop new skills or interest in extracurricular activities that shape them into better individuals. Helping each other break grounds and work harder in their academics or business. Peer pressure may actually depend on the way you respond or handle it. A lot of children or adults would rather avoid these groups for their sanity and peace of mind. It defines individuals and tells if you are actually a follower or a leader.
