Admiration is a natural human instinct that can be observed in all stages of life. Children look up to their parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, friends, and even strangers who may seem more accomplished than them. As they grow older, adolescents develop an interest in celebrities, movie stars, athletes, and artists.
When it comes to admiration for older peers, teenagers often struggle with self-comparison and feelings of inferiority about maturity and experience.
The first stage of this process is often characterized by positive reinforcement from older individuals who show genuine concern for the younger person's well-being. The adolescent feels valued and appreciated by someone whom they respect, which creates a sense of belonging and security. This feeling of acceptance encourages further interactions between the two parties, leading to a gradual increase in intimacy.
As the relationship progresses, however, the teenager begins to notice differences in maturity levels and experiences. They may start comparing themselves to the older individual, questioning whether they are as intelligent or successful as their peer. These comparisons can lead to feelings of envy, jealousy, and inadequacy, especially if the older person appears to have superior skills or abilities.
To cope with these emotions, the teenager may try to emulate the older individual by adopting similar behaviors or attitudes.
They might try to dress like their friend or imitate their mannerisms. This approach can backfire if the older person does not reciprocate the admiration or takes offense at being copied.
Social media plays a significant role in exacerbating these feelings of inferiority. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow users to post carefully curated images and videos that portray an idealized version of reality. Young people are constantly bombarded with images of older peers living glamorous lives, traveling the world, and achieving great success. This constant comparison can lead to negative self-comparison and a lack of confidence in one's own capabilities.
Admiration for older peers is a natural part of human development that should be embraced positively.
It can easily evolve into feelings of self-doubt and insecurity if left unchecked. It is essential to acknowledge and validate these feelings rather than dismiss them outright. By doing so, adolescents can learn to appreciate their unique strengths and develop a healthier sense of self-worth without relying on external validation from others.
How does admiration for older peers evolve into self-comparison and feelings of inferiority about maturity and experience?
Admiration for older peers is often associated with feelings of inferiority, particularly when it comes to maturity and experience. As an individual interacts with more experienced individuals, they may begin to compare themselves to their counterparts, leading to feelings of being less knowledgeable or capable than them. This can be especially true if the individual lacks opportunities for personal growth or exposure to new experiences, leading to a sense of stagnation and lack of progress compared to others.