By Sneh Makhecha ’28

I often hear my friends complaining about how they’re so tired since they get five to six hours of sleep on a daily basis. When I ask why, they say they just couldn’t stop scrolling through Snapchat or Instagram because it’s “so addicting”. I couldn’t help but wonder if addiction was the only cause of the recent widespread social media obsession. In my last article, I explained how social media apps use the concept of FOMO to drag teens into a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation. In this column, I will dive deeper into this subject, discussing how other individuals can pressure social media users to skip sleep for screens. This is the concept of peer pressure, and knowing how to avoid it can be crucial to establishing healthy sleeping habits. 

Tip #1: Be Confident in Yourself 

A positive self-outlook is proven to create a sort of immunity to peer pressure. A study performed in South China explains this in more detail. The study shows

that self-esteem reduces the impact of social media related to peer pressure. Therefore, adolescents with a lower self-esteem were more affected by peer pressure than adolescents with a higher self-esteem. The same results occurred with self-concept clarity, which is defined as confidence and certainty that one has in their personal values. In fact, the study revealed that both self-esteem and self-concept clarity are interconnected. This means that adolescents with a stronger self-esteem usually also have strong self-concept clarity, and vice versa. In summary, confidence in yourself and in your ideas can help you avoid the black hole of peer pressure and screen time before bed. 

Tip #2: Create a Good Social Circle 

Peer pressure is, of course, created by the people you are surrounded with. This indicates that one’s environment has a large impact on their vulnerability to peer pressure. The AEA Institute explains how social media users can restrict peer pressure by surrounding themselves with “positive influencers and friends” who don’t harshly judge people or make them feel inferior. Additionally, associating with those who “share similar values” can help individuals connect with people who will let them be themselves. In summary, creating a positive social environment can also help reduce unhealthy social media habits. 

Tip #3: Take Breaks 

Taking a breather from all of the hectic stress of social media can also limit the harsh effects of peer pressure. An article by Sleepstation justifies this, stating that logging out of your social media accounts is totally fine. Often, social media users feel like they are doing something wrong by logging off at night, which is why social media can get so “addictive”. On the contrary, you are actually making the right decision by prioritizing your rest time. The AEA Institute also promotes this idea, claiming that setting personal boundaries with social media apps can help combat peer pressure. An article published by this organization states how establishing limits when socializing is very important. Understanding social media limits can help teens make online choices that promote their values and beliefs. All in all, social media overdoses before bed can be avoided by scheduling screen time breaks. 

To conclude, peer pressure can have a detrimental effect on screen time use before sleeping. Fortunately, self-confidence, a good social circle, and establishing screen time limits can help reduce peer pressure for those at risk.

Being a high school freshman, I absolutely relate to the anxiety and stress teens go through when under peer pressure. Just remember, it is never worth changing yourself for anyone else. You’re enough, just the way you are.