Final answer:
Peer pressure is a subtle form of social influence where individuals conform to group norms for acceptance. This form of influence, which includes both normative and informational social influences, is often unspoken and below the surface of conscious awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of social influence best referred to as peer pressure tends to be subtle, not overt. Unlike other forms of social influence that might involve direct persuasion or obedience to authority, peer pressure often works through the desire for social conformity and acceptance within a group. It's the kind of influence that's exerted when individuals adapt their behavior, attitudes, or beliefs to align with those of their peers, especially when faced with group norms or expectations. For instance, normative social influence occurs when people conform to group norms to fit in, feel good, and be accepted. This type of influence can be very subtle, operating below our conscious awareness, and is often observed in social settings like schools where conforming to peer expectations can be crucial for social integration.
Another related concept is informational social influence, where individuals look to the behavior of others to guide their own actions in situations of uncertainty. An example of this would be following the crowd's reaction in a situation where it's unclear whether there's an actual danger, such as the presence of smoke in a movie theater that might be mistaken for a special effect.