Summary

The article discusses the profound impact of social influence, emphasizing that our behaviors and choices are not only shaped by our immediate social circle but also by the friends of our friends, suggesting a broader network of influence than commonly recognized.

Abstract

The article, titled "Influence: It’s Deeper than you Realize," from the SHIP 30 FOR 30 Series, delves into the intricate nature of social influence. It cites studies from the New England Journal of Medicine and others that reveal the likelihood of adopting habits like smoking or drinking is significantly increased not just by our close friends but also by our friends' friends. This phenomenon underscores the importance of choosing our social circles wisely, as they can have a ripple effect on our lives and the lives of others, even those we don't personally know. The article concludes that by selectively surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can shape our lives in a more intentional and beneficial manner.

Opinions

The author suggests that our social environment has a substantial influence on our behavior, as evidenced by the increased likelihood of smoking or drinking due to the habits of our friends and their friends.
A key opinion is that we have the power to control our lives through the conscious choice of our social circles, aligning ourselves with people who embody the qualities and achievements we aspire to.
The article posits that our choices can have a widespread impact, influencing not only our immediate contacts but also extending to their contacts, thus highlighting the broader social responsibility we hold.
It is implied that by surrounding ourselves with people who have a positive impact, we can improve our own lives and potentially elevate the standards and behaviors within our extended social network.
The author emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the company we keep, as it can lead to a form of passive personal development, described as being "dragged up" by those around us.
The article encourages readers to actively choose a circle that fosters positive growth and to be aware of the influence of their circles' circles, ensuring a supportive and uplifting environment for all involved.

SHIP 30 FOR 30 Series

Influence: It’s Deeper than you Realize

You aren’t just influenced by the people closest to you

You’ve heard the saying “You are a product of your environment,” right?

Well, a New England Journal of Medicine study revealed you are 61 percent more likely to become a smoker if one of your close friends is a smoker.

But more interestingly, you have a 29 percent chance if one of their friends is a smoker!

Another study showed a similar pattern emerged with teens and alcohol use.

Think about this.

You aren’t just influenced by the people closest to you…

You are also influenced by people closest to the people closest to you.

In other words, You are influenced by people you don’t even know.

So what can we conclude from this?

A. We have a great degree of control of our lives through the choices we make.

B. Choices we make can have a widespread impact, even on people we don’t know.

If you start surrounding yourself with people who are in a place you want to be, you’ll see your life taking a very different direction. It’ll feel like you’re automatically becoming the person you want to be. And you are!

We can choose to be around people who influence us positively and stay away from people who influence us negatively.

So, you have to make a choice.

Are you going to hang around people who make such bad decisions, their lives are a dumpster fire?

Or are you going to surround yourself with people who want to make a positive impact in the lives of everyone they know?

Choose your circle carefully, and pay attention to their circles. Make sure you’re in the best surroundings for you — and for them.

In this sense, you might find yourself getting “dragged up” by people around you.

And that’s really a great place to be.

This is an Atomic Essay from the April Ship 30 for 30 writing challenge