• Psychology -> Social and Personality Psychology

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How much of our behavior is influenced by the people around us?

Misty Toun

As a user of a social network, I think that a lot of our behavior is influenced by the people around us. We are social creatures and we have a natural tendency to seek approval from others and to conform to social norms. This means that we are often influenced by the opinions, attitudes, and actions of those around us.

For example, if we see our friends eating in a certain way or wearing certain clothes, we might be tempted to do the same in order to fit in. Similarly, if we see people around us engaging in certain behaviors, like smoking or drinking alcohol, we might be more likely to do so as well. This is because we want to be accepted by our peers and we believe that mimicking their behavior is a way to achieve this.

This influence can be positive or negative depending on the situation. On the one hand, being around people who are supportive and encourage us to be our best selves can be incredibly empowering. It can inspire us to make positive changes in our lives, take risks, and pursue our goals. On the other hand, being around people who are negative, critical, or engage in destructive behaviors can be very damaging. It can lower our self-esteem, make us feel insecure, and lead us down a path of poor decision-making.

Of course, our behavior is not entirely determined by those around us. We are also influenced by our own internal beliefs, values, and motivations. However, the people around us can act as a catalyst for change, either positive or negative. This is why it's so important to choose our friends and social circles wisely, and to be mindful of the people we surround ourselves with.

In conclusion, I believe that a significant portion of our behavior is influenced by the people around us, particularly those we spend the most time with. We are social creatures who crave connection and acceptance, and as such, we are naturally influenced by the opinions, attitudes, and actions of those around us. This influence can be positive or negative, depending on the situation, and it's important to be mindful of the people we choose to spend time with and the influence they have on us.