Conformity

Conformity. Defined as the behaviour in accordance with socially accepted conventions. This demeanor possessed by seemingly the entirety of today’s generation, sweeping globally as an infectious pandemic, is degrading human individuality to such an extent that is resulting in the demise of characteristics such as uniqueness and charisma.

A paroxysm and vehemence of passion and belief shown by iconic figure Martin Luther King some 50 years ago, saw a progression and transformation within society that dictated the future of an entire nation that once stood divided and steeped in conflict. This juxtaposes what we find ourselves surrounded in today, as your average Joe would rather cower behind the security of ‘the norm’, implicit and tacit commandments that are followed sacrilegiously. The lack of identity throughout today’s youngest generation makes most teenagers indistinguishable from one another, it has become a necessity to become someone you’re not in order to achieve popular status, or to be portrayed as ‘cool’. This ambition is of the utmost significance in order for social acceptance amongst fellow peers nowadays, people have become absorbed by this desire to such extremes that has seen their perspective of life as a whole distorted, their self-worth diminishes and depression, insecurity and paranoia consumes them.

The rising prominence of social media has seen the ego of your regular teenager being toyed with, as their quest for acceptance faces its most prodigious test yet. The inexorable march of social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter has stirred a phenomenon seeing millions of users join annually, however, the compulsion of likes, shares and retweets in order for self-validation is a preposterous concept and the subsequent vanity is repulsive. Does the number of likes someone receives on Instagram really dictate the person they are or the friends they have? The false confidence construed by those craving attention on the sites highlights and emphasizes the frailties and vulnerability, as social ranking is now such a vital component of their life and self-fulfillment. The social media network, whilst connecting us, has also seen the fear of missing out rise amongst users, seeing uploads of the ‘latest party’ that they’re not invited to stimulates anxiety for some. The constant documentation of night’s proceedings, on snapchat for example, is all about showing off on behalf of the composer of the post, as many struggle to deal with missing out on such social events.

In conclusion, the inability of many to question society’s values, and to think as an individual is so commonplace today, that it has seen those who don’t adopt the same pattern of thought, become outcasts. This social rejection as a result of a unwillingness to conform, is part of youth culture today, and a culture I’m not proud to be a part of.

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