• Psychology -> Social and Personality Psychology

• 0 Comment

Should we be more aware of the social influences in our lives and take steps to control them?

Cole Licciardo

I definitely think we should be more aware of the social influences in our lives and take steps to control them. In today's society, social media plays a huge role in shaping our thoughts and behavior, and we need to be mindful of how it's impacting us.

For example, I've noticed that when I spend too much time scrolling through my Instagram feed, I start to feel anxious and insecure about my own life. Seeing pictures of other people's perfect vacations, flawless skin, and successful careers can make me feel like I'm not measuring up, even though I know deep down that social media is just a highlight reel and not an accurate depiction of real life.

To combat this, I've started to limit my time on social media and unfollow accounts that make me feel bad about myself. I've also tried to remind myself that everyone has their own struggles and insecurities, and that what I see on social media is just a small piece of someone's life.

Another example of social influences that we need to be aware of is peer pressure. This is especially true for teenagers and young adults, who may feel pressure to conform to certain social norms or take part in risky behaviors in order to fit in with their friends. I remember feeling this way when I was in high school and college, and it can be really difficult to stand up for yourself when you feel like everyone else is doing something.

However, I've learned that it's important to stay true to your own values and beliefs, even if it means going against the crowd. Surrounding yourself with positive influences who support your choices can also help you resist negative peer pressure.

Overall, I think it's crucial that we take steps to control the social influences in our lives, whether that means limiting our time on social media or choosing our friends and social groups carefully. By being mindful of the impact that these influences have on us, we can lead happier and more fulfilling lives.