A lad will always be a lad, and these were the times when we felt societal approval was a way to perfection. Growing up I wanted to be that boy that everyone likes, I had to endure being taken for granted and manipulated into doing things even when they were not the things I wanted for myself. I chose societal praises over my own decisions and this influence gradually creeped into every aspect of my life. But as I grew older I realized society does not care about you but their own good, all the critiques, intimidations and ridicule was an agenda to achieve their own good. This realization shaped my adulthood.
Now societal decisions have a very low influence in my life. The hardest way I was able to overcome this was through pain and betrayal to find out that you were never part of the picture, all along it was their own decision to help them achieve a certain goal. On a scale of 1-10, societal decisions have only 1 influence on me. My decision overshadows what society thinks and believes about me, because in the long run you'll realize no one really cares about you, trying to fix their own insecurities.
Whenever I need certain information I consult my friends. True friends, just like yourself wants to see you grow. So they give information based on what's best for you and not what he'd gain. I have just a few friends and I run to them every time I need an advice or information about something I'm not sure about. They may not offer the best decision, but they are more sincere than any influencer who are concerned about their creating content and having engagement.
I'm not a fan of celebrities or any influencer. Their decision over any subject has insignificant or no influence on me. I no longer entitle others with the decisions I make, especially when my spirit does not align with the message they preach. I make my decisions, and ask friends, but never settle for an influencer's message especially when my spirit doesn't align with it.