Scrolling on TikTok the other night, I came across a video of a guy helping out a customer and then the customer turned around and started telling the worker (the guy) to ask his co-worker out. She (the customer) turns to the co-worker and asks if she would go on a date with the guy, to which the co-worker responds, he didn’t ask me. The customer goes back to the guy and tells him a few more times to ask his co-worker out. After a few more times, the guy finally half turns and asks the co-worker out, to which she says yes. 

All in all, a fun video when you’re watching, but what stood out to me, though, was the top comment. Someone wrote “Peer pressure loves him 😭”, to which someone else replied, “that made me giggle, I didn’t realize this was peer pressure bc I’d react the same 😂”. Another person commented, “Oh no, I hope he actually likes her 😭. I didn’t even think it was peer pressure.”

I bring this all up because it showed me that a lot of young people aren’t aware of what peer pressure looks like. When you grow up being told that peer pressure is someone pushing you to party, so drugs and or alcohol, that’s what you associate the phrase with. 

But it goes so much deeper than that, and it rarely presents itself the same way every time. Sure, their characteristics are the same, but no two strawberries look identical. For instance, it’s so normalized these days for someone to walk up to you on the street, shove a camera and a mic in your face and begin asking you questions or to do something. In that case, your fight or flight takes over, and you forget that you can say no thanks and walk away.

For that reason, here are some tips to avoid falling into peer pressure;

1. Pause Before You React

When you’re put on the spot, it’s easy to default to saying “yes.” If something feels off or rushed, take a moment to pause. A simple “Let me think about it” can buy you time.


2. Practice Saying “No”

It sounds basic, but practicing how to say “no” firmly and kindly can help you stick to your boundaries. You don’t need a dramatic excuse—“I’m not comfortable with that” is enough.


3. Recognize the Triggers

Notice situations that make you feel pressured—like being filmed without consent, being urged by a crowd, or hearing phrases like “just do it” or “come on.” Awareness is your first defence.


4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

We all heard Billie, “birds of a feather flock together”. If your circle respects your choices and doesn’t pressure you, it’s easier to stand your ground in wider social settings.


5. Trust Your Gut

If something doesn’t sit right with you, listen to that feeling. Peer pressure often overrides our instincts. Reconnecting with your gut feeling helps you stay true to yourself.


6. Set Boundaries Beforehand

If you know you’re entering a situation where pressure might come up (like a party, interview, or social event), mentally prepare your boundaries ahead of time.

The subtlety of peer pressure these days is so overlooked that you don’t even realize it as an observer, much less as a person being pressured.