Final answer:
Adolescents tend to listen to their parents on topics like sexual behavior and life planning, but might align with peer groups on matters of identity formation and social activities. Peer groups have evolved with social media, potentially reinforcing existing beliefs due to global connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents are more likely to listen to their parents or peers depending on the context of the decision they are making. While it is a myth that teens only listen to their friends, in reality, they report that their parents or other caring adults are the greatest influences on their behavior, particularly in areas such as sexual behavior. On the other hand, peer groups play a significant role in socialization during adolescence as they assist in the development of an identity separate from their parents and provide different social activities.
In situations involving dilemmas where aspects like moral and ethical values, romantic relationships, or identity formulation are involved, adolescents may align more closely with peer groups. Conversely, in matters such as long-term life planning, they might weigh their parents' advice more heavily. Furthermore, peer groups have transformed with the advent of social media, allowing adolescents to connect with like-minded individuals globally, which could potentially reinforce existing beliefs and behaviors due to 'echo chambers' rather than change them.