Teens are strongly influenced by their role model. Through the adolescent years, hero worship is normal. Forty-five percent of teens from ages thirteen to eighteen claim a sports figure as a role model (Horn and Keough. "The State of Our Youth" p. 119). .
Sports figures are often viewed as a good influence for teens. Involvement in sports teaches teamwork, requires dedication, and promotes a healthy lifestyle free from drugs.
Sports can be harmful however, when the teen become too aggressive and caught up in winning the game, rather than a healthy competition.
Another way teens receive authoritative approval is through their performance in school. "Children should never be working just to please their parents-or for that matter, anyone else, including their teachers" (Philadelphia Child Guidance Center p.43). In some cases teens spend all their time and effort in school that they don't have a life outside of the classroom and their social skills suffer all in the name of authoritative approval. Along with their performance in school, teens also show complete submission to authority. These kids are often called "the teacher's pet". Teens will often also set themselves apart from other teens in the way they dress. They dress to impress the leaders in their life, such as family and teachers. They strive to set themselves apart from the other kids who are viewed poorly and put themselves on the level of the adult in authority over them. .
These are viewed as positive popularity qualities because they tend not to be as harmful or serious as the negative side.
The negative aspect of popularity is most commonly seen and talked about, and is also the most destructive to the teen. Teens will often look to characters in the movies and mimic their actions. The action packed movie, The Fast and the Furious, for example is about street racers who race their cars on city streets at extreme speeds for enjoyment.
