[TL;DR: Peer influence is powerful—sometimes in ways we don’t even realise. They can change our values and the way we behave sometimes for good but also sometimes for the worse. A strong understanding of what we value in life can help us to navigate through negative peer influence]
The Science Behind Fitting In
You may be tempted to think this peer pressure only happens to certain types of people or in specific situations. But science tells us that this desire to conform and to fit in, is not only common but part of human nature. Whether it’s the 3Asch Conformity Experiments or 4Social Identity Theory, behavioural psychology has proven without a doubt that all humans desire to fit in and be accepted by their social group. To be accepted, we could adopt the norms, values and behaviours of the in-group, but at what cost?
Peer pressure’s not all bad. Think about the fitness trends that have encouraged people to get together in groups to exercise. That’s the power of group-think used for something good. Simply engaging in healthy activities together as a group could foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging, and boost motivation: in the case of exercise, 35studies have shown that group-workouts are more effective in improving quality of life and reducing stress levels than individual workouts. This is one scenario proving that peer influence can be used for good. We often find purpose when we feel that we have a vital/irreplaceable role to play in a group setting and our self-worth is boosted.
However, there are always two sides to a coin, and peer pressure can be a negative force, inevitably forcing us to pick a side especially when there is conflict between our personal values and the group’s values. Findings from the 2025 Uninfluenced campaign survey revealed that 62% of youths in Singapore would feel pressured by their peers to try drugs at social events even if they did not want to.
Have you heard these utterances before?
| “What happens in (place name), stays in (place name)” “Come on, just try everything once” Soundbites from CNB’s escape room event |
If it sounds familiar, you might have heard or used it when hanging out with friends. At times, they could be harmless utterances that encourage us and our friends to let loose and even benefit. However, what about during situations where someone is in danger of abusing drugs? These seemingly harmless utterances can form part of peer pressure by invalidating the listeners’ values.
Drug abuse can start because of curiosity. Add on peer pressure, playing on the the desire to fit in, or just not wanting to be the odd one out and as one former drug abuser shared, it can quickly spiral into something much harder to escape.
The Slippery Slope of Peer Pressure
It all began with a simple hangout at a friend’s house, said John (not his real name).
“I was curious. My friends didn’t even want me to try at first, but I insisted,” he admitted. Over time, that curiosity grew into something else, a need to belong. As his friends experimented with more substances, he felt left behind.
“They told me Ecstasy was way better than Meth, so I joined in. I didn’t want to feel left out.”
For many, drugs are about rebellion. For others, it is about finding belonging. And the pressure isn’t always direct. Sometimes, it’s the fear of losing friendships. Other times, it’s the taunts:
“My friends kept calling me ‘xiasuay’ (embarrassing) if I didn’t try it. When you’re in a tight-knit group, ‘face’ matters.
Even the strongest resolve can be eroded when it comes to the influence of peer pressure. The desire be part of a group can erode even the resolve of the strongest especially when the pressure comes from those who matter the most to you. However, a strong understanding of what we value in life can help us to navigate these influences.