Blink:

When I share my thoughts regarding the accelerated transformation of societal lifestyles (e.g., fashion, health & beauty, etc.), people frequently ask whether I am spotting a trend or fad? Typically, every generation during its youth feels a burden to keep up with trends; Therefore, I usually reply – peer pressure!

Read On:

On a regular basis I read pop culture articles online associated with Gen Z, the current generation born between 1997 and 2012, ages 13 – 28 and how they are managing life. Specifically, the onslaught of noise via social media they receive every time they pick up their phones – microtrends like fast fashion, athleisure, skincare, haircare, rad jargon, etc. In Gen Z research conducted, teenagers and twentysomethings expressed their concern how many trends there were and how overwhelming/stressful it was to try to keep up, thus not feel left out. So, my query today is when a 17-year-old female buys a six-pack of assorted scrunchies from Temu, is she genuinely on trend or just trying to keep up, thus succumbing to peer pressure? My POV: Peer pressure.

 The driving factors behind the different types of peer pressure are highly complex. They can occur at any age, but research indicates the most impressionable age seems to be middle school years. Peer pressure can be either positive or negative. A short list of some driving factors:

• A Desire for Social Acceptance (a.k.a. Wanting to Fit In)
• Lack of Self-confidence/Self Esteem
• Impact On Mental and Physical Health
• Experimenting with alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, and other risky behaviors.

Opinions Welcomed!