Scenario:
John is an 18-year-old freshman at New York University. John was the starting quarterback at his high school in a small town in Indiana. He enjoys playing sports and hanging out with friends. John has always been popular and done well in school and sports. Once he is comfortable in his surroundings he can be confident in what he is doing.
Donnie is an 18-year-old freshman from Chicago attending Iowa State. Donnie spends most of his time playing his guitar and writing music. In high school he had a few close friends but his attention was mainly focused on his studies and his music. He has little trouble expressing himself and enjoys doing so on stage while playing in his band. Donnie is determined to earn a degree and find a career in playing, writing, or producing music.
Response:
In 200 to 300 words provide an opinion on who would be more likely to be persuaded by peer pressures such as drinking, drug use, skipping class, and other irresponsible behavior in a new city. Then, provide your reasoning on why you chose either John or Donnie as more likely to conform to his new social situation. Reference the factors that influence persuasion and conformity discussed in your text.
They are asking for your opinion. We do not do your homework for you.
Consult your text (as indicated) to help you to make your decisions.
In this scenario, both John and Donnie are 18-year-old freshmen starting college in new cities. However, based on their backgrounds and characteristics, it is more likely that John would be more susceptible to peer pressures such as drinking, drug use, skipping class, and other irresponsible behavior in his new social situation.
One of the factors that influence persuasion and conformity is self-confidence. It is mentioned that once John is comfortable in his surroundings, he can be confident in what he is doing. However, this confidence might also make him more susceptible to peer pressure. Being comfortable and confident may lead John to seek validation from his peers, and in an attempt to fit in and maintain his popularity, he may be more likely to engage in irresponsible behavior that his peers are engaging in.
Another factor that influences persuasion and conformity is social status. John, as the starting quarterback in his high school, has always been popular and done well in school and sports. This popularity may create a need for social acceptance and validation among his new peers in college. In order to maintain his social status, John might feel pressured to engage in behaviors that are considered popular or cool, even if they are irresponsible.
On the other hand, Donnie, though also starting college in a new city, has a different set of characteristics and goals. Donnie spends most of his time playing his guitar and writing music. He is determined to earn a degree and find a career in music. Donnie's focus and passion for music may provide him with a strong sense of direction and purpose, making him less likely to conform to peer pressures that could hinder his goals. His self-expression, confidence on stage, and dedication to his music suggest that he has a strong sense of identity and may be less influenced by other's behaviors or opinions.
In summary, based on the factors of self-confidence and social status, it is more likely that John would be more susceptible to peer pressures and conform to irresponsible behaviors in his new social situation. However, it is important to note that this analysis is based on the limited information provided in the scenario and individual behaviors can vary greatly.