Overcoming Peer Influence

Time and time again, we have been counselled by our parents and teachers about peer influence. As with most other things in life, peer influence can either be positive or negative. From a young age, your parents will encourage you to choose friends who demonstrate good character. In equal measure, children are discouraged from interacting with other kids who have a terrible reputation as far as their temperament goes.

In college, the dynamics have somewhat shifted. At this point in life, a college student is considered mature enough to make their own decisions. They are expected to make constructive choices, as afar as their peers are concerned. While the message may not be drummed in by now, the message is still conveyed in similar intensity.

However, college finds people at an age where they are still learning about themselves. In which case, you can argue that they are still malleable. Without a clear idea of one's values and principles, it is quite easy to get derailed. Hence, a lot of emphasis is placed on making choices through reasonable and rational means.

Finding Somewhere to Belong

The most significant drive towards associating with our peers is the innate human need for socialization and a sense of belonging. When one is new on campus, they barely know anyone. Hence, it is quite natural for them to be drawn to any crowd that they seem to even remotely relate to.

This can go in multiple ways. As the title of the article suggests, we are looking at the bad habits which students may be lured to as they seek the sense of belonging. In most cases, these start as harmless interactions. You meet a new person, and you both seem to get along. Soon enough, they introduce you to their friends. In no time, you find yourself as part of the group, similarly adopting the group values.

The need to belong is not a desire that one can simply turn on and off. It is this desire that will gradually keep a student in the group. There is the satisfaction of finding somewhere you can fit in. Sometimes, this emotion is so gratifying that you may not realize when you are picking on bad habits.

However, nothing about this desire suggests that picking up such bad habits will not come with its fair share of consequences. Hence, as you about making new interactions and friends in college, it would be advisable to keep a clear head. In which case, before you belong to any circle, it is sound to ensure that all your individual values match that of the group. An important aspect is the existence of help sites for people. You can easily order a presentation or essay, or you can use paper writer. This will help you save time, develop your own skills and achieve your goals.

Expectedly, differences in individuals will be present. Nevertheless, it is your personal initiative to know where you draw the line between your own principles and group dynamics. If you have to drink and smoke against your will, to fit in the group, then this is evidently not the ideal scenario for you. It is better to be in your own company than bad company.