conformity

As a 18 year old, i have heard all different points of views and reasonings for people conforming to all sorts of things.These range from sports, to religion to style and numerous other things. Obviously everyone has different styles but by people going totally opposite of the "fashion" are they not conforming to not conform? What are the biggest reasons you see for young people to conform instead of being their own person? Does it have to do with popularity, or the way one wants to present them-selves to the public? Is there a problem with conformity, or does it allow certain people to be the person they want to be, ornot be the person 'society' wants them to be? Are there alternate pressures youth feel such as parents, teachers, peers? Do these people influenceone's personality in how it views cliques, groups and friendships? I know this is a lot to handle, but isn't that the fun of this?