Social Influence: What It Is and Its Importance for You

How to Be Safe in a Cruel World: Avoid Negative Social Influence

This article is tailored for introverts, offering guidance on navigating social influences, including peer pressure and other negative societal effects. As an introvert, I have found coping mechanisms that have proven effective, and I am keen to share these strategies with other introverts. Let’s get started!

What Is Social Influence?

Alternative terms for ‘social’ include ‘communal,’ while ‘influence’ can be substituted with ‘impact’ or ‘persuasion.’ Society possesses the ability to shape our experiences in both negative and positive ways. Nonetheless, the classification of these experiences as positive or negative is inherently subjective. The question then arises: who decides what constitutes positive or negative?

“Social influence comprises the ways in which individuals adjust their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. It takes many forms and can be seen in conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership, persuasion, sales, and marketing.”
Social influence – Wikipedia

Society frequently prescribes concepts of right and wrong. Yet, it is equally true that one may cultivate a personal moral compass. Independence often relies on the availability of resources such as this post and others. Reflecting on my own journey, I remember the obstacles I encountered in forging my path and leading a life by my own principles.

Residing in a collectivist society can intensify these challenges, where reliance on others may echo the communal living of the Stone Age, even in the year 2022. Both individualistic and collectivist viewpoints offer advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the essential quest for equilibrium in life.

Social influence is a collective force that emerges through peer pressure and affects every member of society. It shapes our thoughts, speech, and actions. However, we often realize that these may not reflect our true intentions and desires.

Consider societal norms that judge the morality of polygamy. In my region, communal sharing is obligatory, even for personal items such as toothbrushes, making individual ownership an alien concept. It’s deemed acceptable for a relative to ask for my used underwear, not new ones.

These examples highlight the reach of social influence. We are shaped by our society, which forms us in different ways based on its characteristics. Yet, I firmly believe in leading my own life, a belief I’ve cherished since my childhood in the 1980s.

Peer Pressure in Social Life

In 1998, many of us young men were unwittingly drafted into the army, unaware of the reasons. This occurred due to social influence and peer pressure, a story I recount in my Autobiography Series. At that time, our uninformed community leaders summoned us for futile military training. The ability to fire a gun was highly regarded, even perceived as enhancing one’s appeal to women. We ventured into snake-ridden waters to retrieve firearms, oblivious to their purpose until we arrived.

Peer pressure is a powerful element in social dynamics, affecting everyone, not only the young. You might be feeling its influence as you read this, especially if you live in Africa or South Sudan, although it is a worldwide issue, also prevalent in the United States.

There are many examples of peer pressure, but the one described above is sufficient for now. It’s important to note that peer pressure is not always negative; its effect varies with the situation. Life, like its basic particles—neutrons, electrons, and protons—consists of good, bad, and neutral aspects. Protons have a positive charge (+), electrons have a negative charge (-), and neutrons are neutral. I used to think electrons were positive and protons negative, but that is not correct.

Types of Social Influences

Social influence is multifaceted, yet merely acknowledging its variety does not inherently provide insight. It is vital to differentiate between positive and negative influences. Defining what constitutes a positive or negative influence, and determining who has the authority to make such a distinction, is complex.

As someone with a unique personality, I aim to assimilate into society and make a positive contribution in my own way. Nonetheless, what is deemed beneficial can differ greatly across the world. From my perspective, negative social influence is the pressure to conform to societal norms that conflict with my personal convictions.

Consider marriage, for example. If I choose not to marry, I should not have to yield to societal pressure. If I am against polygamy, I should not be persuaded to endorse it. I regard these as examples of negative social influence. However, within the same society, my views might be seen as traitorous or deceptive. This is because unconventional thinking, or ‘thinking outside the box’ as PLO Lumumba describes it, is often viewed as foreign and strange.

Your Personality Type

Considering your personality type is vital. You might think, “I don’t know,” or “I’m not sure,” but identifying your personality type is key to valuing your uniqueness and differences. Indeed, you are unique. Others may find it difficult to understand you, especially if your thoughts, speech, and actions differ from theirs. However, your distinct personality will always shine through, despite attempts to hide it. You are not just who others think you are; you know yourself better than anyone else.

Your personality type is significantly linked to social influence. For example, highly intelligent people may struggle to connect with those who are not as quick-thinking, seeming to be a step behind in thought and decision-making. As an introvert living in a collectivist society, you may find it challenging.

Your personality type is essential in social dynamics, influencing whether you are a leader or a follower in your community. If you are an extrovert, you may flourish in a collectivist culture that values sociable and outgoing people. There is no need to alter your personality; rather, work on enhancing it. Learning about self-discovery and self-improvement is advantageous. The aim is not to transform into someone else but to improve upon who you are naturally.

The Importance of Social Influence

Social influence, whether deemed positive or negative, is a fundamental aspect of life with considerable significance. It’s crucial to learn to thrive even among those who may not share your values, reminiscent of ancient prophets among people of differing beliefs. Paradoxically, being surrounded by negative influences can act as a catalyst for positive transformation, for good cannot exist without evil, nor light without darkness.

The adage “The darker the darkness, the brighter the light” rings true in our personal journeys. When I wrote this, I was grappling with depression. Yet, it was this very mindset that inspired the article you now read with appreciation. It’s not about seeking negative company; on the contrary. However, living in this world, we inevitably cross paths with those we find disagreeable, even in places like the United States where individual freedom is cherished from an early age.

By our very nature, we are social beings, highlighting the importance of social interactions and their influence on us. We depend on one another, regardless of our natural inclinations or repulsions. I remember overhearing someone say, “I feel paralyzed when I see that girl,” and I sensed sincerity in her statement. She was engaging with another girl, and they appeared to be a good match. While solitude is neither advisable nor desirable, it’s essential to lead your own life, wherever you are. As I write, my goal is to travel the world, encouraging both men and women to live genuinely, as themselves, not as others expect them to be.

Summary

Balance is fundamental to everything. If you’ve followed this article from the beginning, you’ve explored a significant amount of content. I’m interested in how you might apply what you’ve learned to your life. It’s a situation of ‘use it or lose it’—do you see what I mean? Our worlds may be vastly different, especially if you hail from the Western world. Nevertheless, I trust that the insights shared are applicable there as well. After all, our shared humanity connects us. We have a lot in common, don’t we? If you’ve found something new in this article, please take a moment to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. While the comments are still few, I’ll have time to read them. Your honest feedback is crucial for improving my future articles. Also, consider sharing this article with your family and friends!