"Shower Every Day": 41 Things People Are Convinced They Need, Thanks to Clever Brainwashing

We were very curious about what the inspiration behind such an intriguing topic was. "I asked this question because I try to be self-aware and try to not be brainwashed by sales tactics, especially when it is something I do not need," u/Beaner890 said.

"While comments on my post mostly say things like religion and a new phone, I personally believe one of the most harmful things people can be pressured into thinking they need is a timeshare," they warned.

"I have personally known people that have fallen for this because they were offered a free night or a free ticket if they attended a presentation. While there, they are sold this idea that they need a timeshare because it makes more sense in the long run (it never does)."

According to the author, proponents of timeshares seem to target the most vulnerable individuals. "They know having a vacation home is something we all desire. So, they sell this idea to people who cannot afford the real thing. This is one thing that ruins people's lives and I have no idea how it is still legal."

Meanwhile, the author shed some light on how we can all resist social pressure, at least in part. "There are a couple of things people can do to not be pressured into things that are probably not necessary. The first thing is to do your own research. This is something I like doing before I do anything, especially when this can financially impact me," they said.

"The second thing is to learn how to say 'no' and just walk away. And the last thing is not caring about what others have to say. I am not here to impress anyone but myself."

Human beings are hardwired to be social, and most of you probably want to be respected, admired, and possibly even loved by your peers and members of the community. It’s completely natural.

Out of that desire to fit in, you copy the behaviors, attitudes, and habits you see around you. On the flip side, behaving differently than everyone around you potentially means that you’re left out of the social group. And very few people intentionally want to be outsiders.

According to American Addictions Centers, most grown-ups likely deny that external sources influence their choices. However, with how ubiquitous advertising is these days, its persuasion affects everyone to a greater or lesser extent.

One source of influence you might not think about all that often is how your friends shape what you do. For example, one recent study showed that people drinking in pairs tend to imitate each other’s orders, frequency of drinking, and volume of consumption.

In short, who you spend time around tends to shape what you do, just like your behavior affects those around you. This can be problematic if you have issues with addiction and substance misuse, but your social circle encourages that sort of behavior.

AAC states that it’s crucial to develop the skills to resist the unconscious influence that your friends exert. For one, you should not hesitate to refuse to take part in behavior that you know is harmful to you. When you use short responses and quick refusals, you are not leaving any room for discussion.

“While friends may be well-meaning, they may not understand the realities of recovery as intricately as someone working through it, and they may take hesitation as a sign of uncertainty.”

What behaviors, attitudes, and habits do you personally believe are completely unnecessary but which society has forced on most people, dear Pandas? Which ones do you think do the most harm?

What do you do to stay resilient and resist all of that (not so) subtle social pressure? What do you think society has subtly pressured you into doing? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you have a moment, share yours in the comments below.