What could explain a college student's unawareness of his high drinking level compared to peers?

A college student's unawareness of his high drinking level compared to peers can be effectively explained by the concept of relative comparison within social groups. When an individual surrounds themselves with peers who drink as much or even more than they do, it can create a distorted perception of their own drinking behavior. This social normalization can downplay the severity of one's consumption levels, leading to a lack of awareness about how their drinking compares to broader standards or guidelines.

The context of peer behavior is crucial; when everyone in their immediate circle engages in similar or heavier drinking, the student may perceive their own habits as typical or acceptable, irrespective of objective benchmarks of alcohol consumption. This phenomenon illustrates the influence of social context on personal behavior and self-perception, especially in an environment like a college campus where drinking is often prevalent and sometimes socially encouraged.