This picture is a good example of Georg Simmel's idea of the 'stranger'. Although these boys are physically right next to each other, they are psychologically far away from each other. It also puts into play the paradox that in this day and age even though we are more connected with one another through the internet and social networking sites we are actually more isolated than ever.
This picture shows the smallest possible social group- the dyad. This is the most intimate form of a social group, but also the most unstable. If one of these boys decided to veer off of the path the group would no longer exist.
In this group there are three different relationships, forming a triad. It is more stable than a dyad because even if one of them decided to stop playing their instrument, the other two would still be able to carry on with each other.
A reference group is a group that provides a standard of comparison against which we evaluate ourselves. Unfortunately we can often times compare ourselves to standards that are too high or even unrealistic. For example: comparing yourself to a model or a mannequin.
In the company of your closest friends, or your primary group, is where you often feel the most connected and have the greatest feelings of acceptance.
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