Peer group influence primarily affects the academic performance of individuals through direct competition rather than through socialization and shared experiences.

Peer group influence can greatly impact how well students perform in school, often through direct competition with their friends. When students see their peers working hard and achieving good grades, they may feel motivated to do the same. This competition can push individuals to study more, complete assignments on time, and participate in class, all of which can lead to better academic results. For example, if a student notices that their friends are getting high marks on tests, they might feel inspired to study harder to keep up. In this way, the desire to compete and succeed alongside peers can be a powerful force in shaping academic performance.