It is very common for young people to look towards other people who are in the same situation. Unfortunately this is not a very healthy action as most people make bad decisions, but because young people don’t know any better, they will decide to join on. There are however, cases in which being influenced by your peers could be very beneficial to the well being of students.

Believe it or not, but positive peer pressure is more common than negative peer pressure. An example of positive peer pressure is when all of your friends are encouraging you to join the debate team to help deal with a fear of speaking to new people. This creates confidence and can lead to positive effects throughout your life.

People are more likely to engage in popular positive events. If something is popular and good, people will feel pressure to do something good and it is popular so it will not be criticized. This creates a positive feedback loop as when more people do the act, more people will see it and would like to engage in it. This is why positive peer pressure is more widespread than negative peer pressure. Positive peer pressure is more likely to be promoted and passed on and it sets up people for success.

On the other hand negative peer pressure has a bigger impact on young people based on the American Psychological Association because the negative peer pressure effects, they have more long term effects. This is because most of the negative effects are more addictive rather than the positive effects.

Negative peer pressure causes more damage than positive peer pressure positive effects. An example of negative peer pressure is when a friend convinces you to start drinking alcohol. If a student starts drinking alcohol at a young age, it could stunt growth of the brain. According National Center for Biotechnology Information, they say, “Studies reveal that youth who started drinking before age 15, compared to those who waited until they were 21, were 12 times more likely to be unintentionally injured while under the influence of alcohol, 7 times more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash after drinking, and 10 times more likely to have been in a physical fight after drinking.” Most of these negative effects are highly addictive and are spread through friend groups.

1. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?

A. The Appearance of Peer Pressure Among Young People

B. The Disadvantages of Peer Pressure on Teenagers

C. The Positive and Negative Effects of Peer Pressure

D. The Impact of Alcohol on Youth Development

2. Why do many young people tend to follow their peers even if they make bad decisions?

A. Because they have a strong sense of individuality.

B. Because they know more about making better choices.

C. Because they often lack knowledge and experience.

D. Because they prefer to be criticised for their decisions.

3. The word "they" in paragraph 1 refers to

A. decisions

B. cases

C. peers

D. young people

4. The word "loop" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

A. site

B. circle

C. entry

D. topic

5. The word "widespread" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
A. common
B. pressing
C. central
D. sustainable