By Pratyasha Sahu

2 nd Year, B.Tech (IT)

Often said, friends make the world beautiful, with whom we smile brighter and laugh louder. But how about that feeling when you are pressurized by your peers for something, you aren’t willing?

Yes, we call it PEER PRESSURE when our classmates or friends get themselves involved in our decision-making, try influencing us on how we should act or do something. They make us believe that whatever they are doing is right and start directing us to their path, a wrong path.

Hey, we’re planning to skip the classes today, join us.

How can you be so nerdy? Who studies all day? Come on, take a break.

It’s cool to appear in exams unprepared.

It’s cool to stay awake all night.

Why don’t you try skipping meals to get thinner?

This is how they all begin. They’ll even take us to places not meant for us. Hard to say NO or nearly impossible, saying yes would make us feel guilty. But not joining them will make us feel left out. It will feel like we are the only one not having fun. But it’s our conscience and inner confidence which we should trust upon. They’ll tempt us, they’ll drag us, they’ll mock and tease us, they’ll flatter us, they’ll blackmail us, they’ll convince us to believe them, they’ll try every possible thing they can do to change us, but we need to avoid it.

We need to make sure that everybody in our boat is rowing and not drilling holes in the boat. We must not let things go out of our control. It’ll take a lot of courage, to stand up and walk away. But we’ll have to. Earlier we used to stay at home with our parents, guardians, and elders there, to guide us. Now, that we are independent, there’s no one to keep a check on us, no one to show us the right path. It’s just us. The impacts of peer pressure can be too harsh. It can lead to some hefty consequences like a drop in grades, low attendance, negative attitudes, addiction to unhealthy products, distancing from family, physical injury, victim to mental abuse, etc. It can also result in insomnia, irritability, mood changes, depression, and anxiety.

Following the herd, be it in life or academics is always a slow poison. We slowly start questioning our worth, compare ourselves to others, and often lose sight of our purpose. When it comes to peer pressure one should never do something that goes against their morals or values. We need to understand that good people and true friends accept you just the way you are and will never force you to do something you are not comfortable with. We need not do something unwillingly just because it’s cool according to the people around us. We need to stop being influenced by the wrong people rather concentrate on our own career, health, and dreams that bring us happiness. To all the fellow Kiitians, reading this blog, remember to pull yourself out of situations and friendships that make you do things that could harm you in the future. Seek help from your mentors or let your parents know about the troubles you are facing. Be a follower but follow your own heart and mind. Let your originality flourish.