Final answer:
Popular children are individuals highly accepted by peers, contributing significantly to the social dynamics within their peer groups. Peer groups are important for socialization and can extend beyond local settings due to social media. Conformity to group norms is often driven by a desire to fit in or be accepted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Popular children are those who receive many peer nominations of likability and therefore experience high levels of peer acceptance. These children often enjoy high peer group status and can influence the norms within their social circles. Peer groups serve as significant agents of socialization, particularly during school-age and adolescence. They provide a reference to children and teenagers on how to act, dress, and what to be involved in, like participating in sports or other peer-group activities. Moreover, social media has expanded the potential peer group beyond local boundaries, creating more diverse networks of influence and the potential for echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs.
Conformity plays a big role in social dynamics among young people. This process involves adhering to group norms or expectations, often to fit in or be accepted by the group. While some individuals may prefer to conform to avoid standing out, others might want to stand out in specific ways that align with their personal identity or interests.