Peer pressure is a common phenomenon among adolescents, especially when it comes to making sexual decisions and experiencing anxiety related to sexual matters. This effect becomes more apparent when one has both male and female friends. For example, if a boy has a group of friends who have different views about sexual behavior, he may feel pressured into engaging in acts that he feels uncomfortable with simply because his peers expect him to do so. Similarly, if a girl is surrounded by friends who are open about their sexual experiences, she might find herself feeling anxious about her own lack of experience. In this article, we will explore how peer pressure affects same-gender and mixed-gender friendships in terms of sexual decisions and anxieties. Same-Gender Friendships
In a same-gender friendship, peer pressure can take on a unique form as there are no opposite genders involved. One study conducted on college students found that LGBTQ+ youth were more likely to be influenced by their same-sex friends when it came to sexual exploration and experimentation. The researchers concluded that this was due to the fact that these individuals felt a stronger sense of community within their own social groups. As such, they were more likely to trust their peers' advice and suggestions regarding sex-related topics. However, this also meant that any negative opinions or judgements from within the group could have a greater impact on them than if they had been hearing them from someone outside of their circle. Mixed-Gender Friendships
On the other hand, mixed-gender friendships involve both male and female influences which can create an interesting dynamic. For instance, if a group of girls discusses their past sexual experiences and one of them admits to having been sexually active at a young age, the others may feel a need to follow suit. This type of peer pressure can lead to risky behaviors such as unprotected intercourse or even sexual assault in some cases. Similarly, boys may feel pressured into acting in ways they would not normally do simply because their friends expect it of them. Conclusion
Overall, peer pressure is something everyone must learn how to navigate during adolescence. Whether you are surrounded by people who share your gender identity or not, being aware of how other viewpoints can affect your decisions can help you make better choices for yourself. Remember that just because someone says something doesn't mean you have to do it - only you get to decide what feels right for you!