Undoubtedly, with the rapid advancement of technology, peer pressure among the younger generation has become a widely discussed issue. Whereas some believe it has positive effects, I am holding an utterly opposite opinion toward this statement, and the reasons will be thoroughly elaborated on as follows.
Several reasons may lead to why the public believe that peer pressure has positive influences on young people. Firstly, it may enhance personal ability.(In terms of personal ability, peer pressure has positive influences on young people.) Take Taiwan as an example.(,) More and more schools have introduced gifted education programs that group talented students together, encouraging positive competition and ultimately improving their academic performance. Secondly, the influence of peers can boost students’ motivation. To be more specific, studying for exams or learning new skills alongside with peers can foster a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement, which may help students stay focused and achieve their goals. (Concrete example)
On the other hand, as far as I am concerned, peer pressure causes more harm than good. Firstly, peer pressure can easily cause negative emotions, which can be harmful for(detrimental to) individuals’ mental health. For instance, when I was in high school, I was accepted into a gifted education program. Learning with those having better academic performance made me feel pressured and exhausted, which not only affected my grade but also brought a long-term impact on my mental health(such as depression and inconcentration). Secondly, comparison between young people also damages genuine friendships. Specifically, young people tend to hide their true personalities in order to fit into certain groups. Over time, this pressure to conform can lead to superficial relationships rather than authentic connections, making it difficult for them to form sincere and lasting friendships.
In conclusion, based on the aforementioned, I am firmly convinced that peer pressure has more negative consequences on the young generations, as it causes negative impact on mental health and damages genuine friendships.