what does peer pressure mean?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/peer%20pressure

Peer pressure refers to the influence that individuals in your social group or "peer group" can have on you to adopt certain attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs in order to fit in or gain acceptance. It can manifest in various ways, including direct suggestions, subtle cues, or implicit expectations from friends, classmates, or colleagues. Peer pressure can be positive if it encourages you to engage in healthy or constructive behaviors, but it can also be negative if it leads you to make poor choices or engage in risky behavior against your better judgment.

Peer pressure refers to the influence that individuals in a social group exert on each other to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, values, or actions. It generally occurs when there is an expectation to fit in or gain approval from peers, often resulting in the adoption of behaviors or beliefs that one might not have chosen independently.

To understand the meaning of peer pressure, you can follow these steps:

1. Research: Start by conducting a search using reliable sources like educational websites, psychology journals, or reputable books. Look for information on the definition and effects of peer pressure.
2. Read: Gather information from different sources to gain a comprehensive understanding. Read articles or chapters specifically related to the subject matter.
3. Analyze examples: Explore real-life examples of peer pressure, such as scenarios in schools, social media, or within friend groups. Examine how individuals might be influenced or affected by their peers.
4. Reflect: Internalize the information you've gathered. Consider your own experiences or observations related to peer pressure and think about its implications in society.
5. Summarize: Compile your findings and create a concise, clear explanation of the meaning of peer pressure.

By following these steps, you can gain a solid understanding of what peer pressure means and how it impacts individuals and social dynamics.