Social Media Pressure

Derek Streeter, dean of Thunderbird High School, says that he meets with close to 40 students a day to discuss behavioral problems that are more often than not linked to peer pressure.

He notes that in the society we currently live in, people are “social animals,” constantly seeking the approval of others. This is largely a result of the impact that social media has on the world today. “The world revolves around what society is currently considering normal,” he says. “With social media continuously becoming a bigger influence, kids are faced with more peer pressure now than ever.” Social media has evolved into one of the most prominent sources of peer pressure today. Users are driven by likes, favorites and retweets. They are motivated to please others through posts that criticize or mock unsuspecting victims, who are essentially being cyberbullied for the personal entertainment of others. In an article about cyberbullying on CovenantEyes.com, it is reported that approximately 88 percent of teenagers on social media have either participated in or have witnessed some type of cyberbullying. Cyberbullies only do what they do because they see opportunities to be recognized and they don’t care what it takes to get into the spotlight. Harrassment, gossip, impersonation and inappropriate requests all fall under the category of cyberbullying. This type of peer pressure is the most dangerous and, unfortunately, becoming more common today.

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