What This Movie Says About Social Proof, Hypergamy, and the Herd Mentality

This movie does not enjoy nearly the popularity it deserves, and I think that is because it does not have quite the "star power" or "comedic chops" of other 80 teen movies and comedies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, or Pretty in Pink. But aside from the tragic vision of Amanda Peterson, the real value of this film is the observations it makes about human nature but about female sexuality in particular.
As anyone who sees this knows, the fact that Ronald is perceived to be dating the most popular desired girl in high school, Cindy, makes him attractive to other highly attractive, popular girls. This is known as social proof. The football players succumb to it as well.
Once she outs Ronnie at the New's Year Party, he is a pariah to both.
This movie pairs well with Tom Wolfe's I am Charlotte Simmons, which also explores these themes (and much else besides).
Incidentally, I wrote a comparison review of this film and the book I am Charlotte Simmons. It is available here.

https://theravenscall.substack.com/p/smitten-with-charlotte-and-cindy

There are siginifigant spoilers, so I while I think everyone should read I am Charlotte Simmons, it is 800 pages and if someone just will not read, I impart Wolfe's critical insight in a far more succinct "package."