Reference groups

Reference groups are groups of people that we look up to and try to copy or imitate their behavior, often without even realizing it. They can be our family, friends, classmates, or even famous people we see on TV or social media.

Just like when you're trying to learn how to ride a bike, you might watch how an older sibling or friend does it and try to do the same. In the same way, we observe how our reference groups behave, what they wear, what they say, and how they act in certain situations. This influences our own behavior and choices as we try to fit in with the group we admire.

For example, if your older sister always eats healthy food and exercises, you might feel inclined to do the same because you look up to her and want to be like her. Similarly, if your friends are into a certain type of music or dress a certain way, you might feel pressure to do the same so that you fit in with the group.

Reference groups can be really helpful in teaching us how to act in different situations and helping us feel like we belong to a group. But sometimes, we need to make sure we're not just blindly copying others and that we're staying true to our own values and beliefs.