Are Teens Too Pressured to Love?

It seems like romance is everywhere today. It's in movies, television shows, books, the media, the news, and everyday life. But does this constant bombardment of love make teens feel forced to be in a relationship? Several teens from Susquehannock High School weighed in on this issue:

Freshman, Bryanna Stimmel: “Yes I think teens look around and see all the couples and think ‘I want to have that’ but don't think they can be in a relationship unless they change themselves to [fit] what is desired or ideal by the media or the other people [that] they think are prettier.”

Freshman, Mia Kobylski: “I think that the teens who aren't in a relationship view themselves as ‘forever alone.’”

Freshman, Camryn Brakmann: “I would definitely say there is too much pressure put onto teens to be in relationships. Society and media both paint an image where love is required in order to be happy. On top of this pressure, typically only heterosexual relationships are represented, which blatantly leaves out countless LGBT+ groups.”

Freshman, Maddie Geiple: “I think that most want to [be in a relationship] because they think it would be cool to be with a boy/girlfriend. ... [It feels like] if all your friends get in relationships then you have to as well. But teens feel as if relationships are easy and ‘oh I'll love this person forever’ when in reality they face problems, heartbreak, and drama at some point. Some feel that if they don't have a girl/boyfriend then they won't be happy in life.”

Freshman, Michael Boampong: “Yes, I think that teens walk around the school seeing everyone around them in love with someone and they think something is wrong with them because they are not in a relationship. Also, friends will try to push you to date someone you have nothing in common with.”

Freshman, Julia Kelbaugh: “Yes, because… you see all these people in the hallway so happy because of relationship but at the same time, there isn't a lot of pressure if you don't make it seem like [they’re happy because of their relationships].”

Freshman, Mei Tomko: “Yes, teens seem to influence other teens by making them feel they need a significant other, even if it's simply to say they are in a relationship. There are kids in middle school who are 'dating' simply to be [in a relationship]. This whole situation has caused many to get involved in pointless relationships. The general idea of a relationship has begun to lose its seriousness and concept of commitment.”