High school prom: the quintessential rite of passage, the pinnacle of adolescent social life. It has been glamorized in movies, celebrated in popular culture and hyped up by countless peers. While it has been continually branded as an “essential” high school experience, it may not be worth all the fuss.
For one, attending prom is a hefty expense. Ticket prices can be unreasonable for some, not to mention the cost of transportation to the venue, money spent on outfits for the dance and even the “promposal.” According to NBC, the average American teen spends roughly $1000 on prom. These costs can turn people away from the prospect of attending the event and encourage them to opt for another, cheaper activity that night, such as going out to eat with friends or simply hanging out with others.
Many high schoolers fall under the pressure of finding the perfect date. While going with friends is always a viable option, the culture surrounding the event encourages going with a partner, and conforming to these standards can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress in a person. Additionally, another form of pressure that comes with this event is the emphasis on external appearances; if you do not “look your best,” what is the point? This expectation has historically been a harmful one, especially for adolescents, and can get in the way of the fun the event capitalizes on.
Even when one decides to go through all the preparation, the idealized event itself may not live up to the expectations. The music is loud and occasionally bad, the dance floor is packed with sweaty teenagers, and the atmosphere can feel inauthentic. Plus, in today’s digital age, the pressure to constantly document the event on social media with pictures and videos adds another layer of stress to the event.
Ultimately, the value of prom depends on the person. Some might find it a magical night filled with laughter and memories; others may find themselves disappointed for a number of reasons like the ones listed above. But the expenses, pressure and risk of disappointment all make for valid dealbreakers to anyone considering attending the event. If you want to ensure a night of fun memories you will not regret, maybe finding a couple friends and going out independently will serve you better.
