The Uniform of Popularity The Teenage Pressure to Fit In and its Consequences on Mental Health

The Uniform of Popularity The Teenage Pressure to Fit In and its Consequences on Mental Health By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist Every individual is unique in their own, interesting way. Through our appearances, talents, and personalities, each human is a snowflake, distinct from one another. Yet, we often hide our differences in order to appear similar to others. This behavior is most prominent in high school, where popularity and acceptance feels most prominent. Teenage years are often the height of insecurity, when we feel isolated, disliked, and misunderstood. To feel more popular, teens decide to change themselves in whichever way necessary to fit in; they may alter their clothes, hair, or even passions. Although this may seem socially beneficial, in reality it causes more issues for the individual and can significantly damage their mental health. When teens compress their individuality, trends begin to surface in practically every teenager. There seems to be a self-inflicted uniform for those who are “likeable.” Boys wear all-black, baggy clothes and have identical hairstyles. Most girls straightened their hair, wear similar clothes, and do the same makeup style. High schools seem void of unique personalities, instead filled with cookie-cutter students mimicking popularity. This constriction applies to more than popular students. Secondary education is commonly known for its challenging social life and complicated cliques, which makes finding trustworthy friends a laborious task for any individual. A student may not feel smart enough to befriend traditional nerds, or athletic enough to play with classic jocks. No matter where one goes and who they choose to associate with, they may always feel misplaced; this again leads to a shift in identity. It’s a system of change and stress, one that feels impossible to overcome. Although these patterns may seem like an insignificant scene from Mean Girls, (2004), it is a much larger issue than you’d originally expect. Today's youth are no longer choosing to express themselves, instead conforming with others. This significantly harms mental health, as adolescents lack confidence and experience a misunderstood sense of identity. How many changes do we need to make until we realize there’s a stranger in the mirror? How long until we notice the individual with a different style, different morals, and different identity? For the entirety of high school, fitting in seems to be the most significant aspect of life; however, this is far from the truth. The all-consuming stress of popularity and social acceptance begins to fade once graduation arrives. In the adult world, your true character is far more important than the friends you had in high school or the attention you received in a crowded hallway. What once felt like the center of your life is revealed to be a temporary distraction when compared to the opportunities and challenges that come after graduation. As simple and elementary as it may seem, the solution to this dilemma is to be yourself. Wear what you feel confident in, and spend your time doing what makes you happy. Work hard towards personal goals and act aligned with your morals. Popularity may reward similarity, but life beyond it celebrates difference. Genuine relationships, opportunities, and individuality come once you stand out in a way that feels true to who you are. Only through this uniqueness can you be accepted for your true self.