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Deshandolyn Timmons
Professor Key
PSY 2012
23 August 2024
Social Psychology In My Personal Life
Social psychology is a specialized field within psychology that explores how individuals interact
with the world around them. When we observe others, how do they make us feel, what thoughts
arise? Do we harbor unconscious prejudices that influence our perceptions of people we don’t
know? How do we react in various situations and are we different around certain groups of
people versus others? How does our behavior change?
For some, if not many, peers' influence plays a significant role in their thoughts and
actions. Now, this can be a positive or a negative.This can develop in different ways from the
clothes they decide to wear, all the way to the way they treat others. Personally, through certain
stages in my life, I have noticed that it is difficult to want to be myself within groups of people
because of the reactions I would get to my goofy and analytical nature. It took me a long time to
understand social cues when I was around other people, something I still struggle with, so, in
turn, I tend to overthink seemingly simple situations. Growing up and even now, I’ve often found
myself conflicted about when it’s appropriate to say or do certain things. As a result, I’ve tended
to stick to small circles, usually with just two or three close friends.
Other areas where social biases can influence my life is my perception of others and
situations that have caused certain outcomes. As a Black individual that has attended a
predominately White, Christian school from third to eleventh grade, for the majority of my life,
Deshandolyn Timmons
Professor Key
PSY 2012
23 August 2024
Social Psychology In My Personal Life
Social psychology is a specialized field within psychology that explores how individuals interact
with the world around them. When we observe others, how do they make us feel, what thoughts
arise? Do we harbor unconscious prejudices that influence our perceptions of people we don’t
know? How do we react in various situations and are we different around certain groups of
people versus others? How does our behavior change?
For some, if not many, peers' influence plays a significant role in their thoughts and
actions. Now, this can be a positive or a negative.This can develop in different ways from the
clothes they decide to wear, all the way to the way they treat others. Personally, through certain
stages in my life, I have noticed that it is difficult to want to be myself within groups of people
because of the reactions I would get to my goofy and analytical nature. It took me a long time to
understand social cues when I was around other people, something I still struggle with, so, in
turn, I tend to overthink seemingly simple situations. Growing up and even now, I’ve often found
myself conflicted about when it’s appropriate to say or do certain things. As a result, I’ve tended
to stick to small circles, usually with just two or three close friends.
Other areas where social biases can influence my life is my perception of others and
situations that have caused certain outcomes. As a Black individual that has attended a
predominately White, Christian school from third to eleventh grade, for the majority of my life,
