In today’s rapidly changing social and economic landscape, social pressures have become one of the most significant factors affecting young men and women. These pressures no longer stem solely from family or immediate community but have expanded into the digital space and social media, which impose expectations and standards that are often far from reality. Such pressures directly shape young people’s thinking and influence both their daily and life-changing decisions—ranging from academic and career choices to attitudes toward marriage, lifestyle, and self-image.
Dr. Ferial Abdullah Halawi, lecturer and self-esteem consultant, explains to Nadormagazine how social pressures affect the decisions of youth.
Social Pressures and Their Effect on Youth Identity
Today, social pressures increasingly burden young people, affecting their major life choices and daily habits—from personal appearance to significant decisions like choosing a university major, a life partner, or even how they engage with society. In this context, raising self-awareness becomes essential to building a generation capable of distinguishing between reality and illusion, and making choices based on personal convictions rather than societal expectations.
Social media plays a central role in these pressures, presenting idealized images of others’ lives that suggest constant success, absolute luxury, and perfect beauty. In reality, these portrayals are often curated and unrealistic, leading many young people to compare themselves to others, feel inadequate, and develop low self-esteem.
This pressure often manifests in appearance and lifestyle choices. Many youth attempt to emulate fashion, brands, and consumer behaviors beyond their means. Failing to meet these “ideal” standards creates persistent stress, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of judgment from others.
Social pressures also extend to spending and consumption patterns, where material possessions are used to assert identity or social belonging, sometimes at the expense of essential needs or financial stability. These pressures can even affect social interactions, causing withdrawal from gatherings or community activities, resulting in isolation.
Impact on Major Life Decisions
According to Dr. Halawi, social pressures are particularly evident in educational and career choices. “Choosing a university major or career path has become increasingly complex, often dictated by family or societal expectations, or the pursuit of high financial returns, rather than personal interests and abilities,” she notes. Many young people feel lost, ending up in paths that do not reflect their true ambitions or contribute to self-fulfillment.
Marriage and relationships are also heavily influenced. Many young people delay engagement or marriage due to fear of long-term commitment, financial burdens, and uncertainty about the future. Studies show that marrying in one’s thirties is increasingly common in the modern social and economic context. However, this trend often accompanies existential questions and psychological pressures, particularly regarding self-esteem and a sense of stability.
Without awareness or psychological support, accumulated pressures can lead to negative decisions and destructive behaviors—such as engaging in risky practices to escape reality or conform to societal images. Social pressures also affect youth identity and body image, perpetuating constant comparison with unrealistic media standards.
The Role of Self-Awareness
Dr. Halawi emphasizes that “self-awareness is the first step toward psychological balance and making sound decisions. Recognizing the social pressures they face is natural for youth today, but it is crucial to avoid blindly following them. The constant chase for perfection or others’ approval does not bring true satisfaction; instead, it increases fatigue and emptiness.”
She stresses the importance of developing skills to manage pressures healthily, distinguishing between decisions made under stress or emotion and those rooted in maturity, self-understanding, and awareness of reality. “Decisions aligned with personal values and human-centered standards are more stable and resilient against life’s challenges.”
Dr. Halawi concludes: “Self-awareness and confidence in personal convictions form the foundation for any successful decision. When youth liberate themselves from social pressure and grant themselves the right to make conscious choices, they are closer to building a balanced life that reflects their true selves, rather than an externally imposed image.”
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