Your Voice: Popularity of Cantopop group Mirror in Hong Kong, importance of mental health (short letters)

In recent years, Mirror has gained fame and popularity, appearing all over Hong Kong. They can be seen in advertisements for fast food chains or local events, covering almost all aspects of our everyday lives.

Fans initially chose the members of the Cantopop boy band through a reality TV show called “King Maker” back in 2018.

Similar to boy bands from around the world, each member of Mirror had the support of fans throughout their journey. Fans undoubtedly feel a personal connection to the boys’ success story.

All you need to know about Mirror and how they compare with BTS

Moreover, Mirror’s young and energetic members have served as a beacon of hope for Hong Kong’s music industry and the city as a whole, especially during the pandemic. Hong Kong was surrounded by negativity due to various travel restrictions and social distancing regulations during Covid-19.

Thanks to excellent marketing strategies and the hard work and perseverance shown by each member, this promising boy band has been able to create a fan base spanning different generations.

In conclusion, I believe that the main reason for Mirror’s success is the reality show that introduced them and their dedicated fan base.

Karina Kwok Ting-yan, St Paul’s Secondary School

I am writing in response to Hong Kong receiving Asia-Pacific’s lowest score in a recently released happiness index.

As a Hong Kong citizen, I believe this concerning phenomenon can be attributed to challenges in the economic and social sectors.

For example, the Hong Kong Global Cost of Living Index by the British Economist Intelligence Unit revealed a 7.5 per cent increase in the cost of living this year, making many things unaffordable for many Hong Kong residents. With a population of over seven million in a limited space, the demand for housing has driven prices up, ranking Hong Kong among the most expensive in terms of real estate in the Asia-Pacific region.

Furthermore, Hongkongers have faced difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Students, in particular, have encountered challenges, including the loss of educational opportunities. Personal conversations with friends have revealed struggles to adapt to new learning styles.

It is crucial for the government to prioritise mental health support for all segments of society. To address this issue, we should allocate more funds to citizens and promote fun, engaging activities for both residents and tourists.

Gloomy youth pull US and western Europe down global happiness ranking

Edison Ng Chun-lun, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

I have always considered punctuality to be one of my strengths. However, my perspective on strictly adhering to set arrival times changed after experiencing traffic congestion this morning. It made me question the rationality of strictly following an 8am arrival time.

Punctuality is generally seen as a positive trait, but it is important to consider the circumstances and be flexible when necessary.

Unforeseen events, such as traffic, can make it challenging to arrive at a specific time. In such situations, it is crucial to demonstrate adaptability.

Instead of setting rigid arrival times, it would be more rational to account for potential delays and unexpected events. This approach not only reduces stress but also allows for better time management.

By including a buffer in our schedules, we can have a smoother start to our day without unnecessary worries.

Punctuality remains a valuable trait. However, by setting realistic arrival times and being adaptable to unexpected events, we can maintain a balance between punctuality and practicality.

Ho Chung-yau, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College

I am writing to express my thoughts on the article titled “Understanding the Empathy Gap” in Young Post.

As mentioned in the article, an empathy gap exists in everyone’s minds, which can be divided into two visceral states: the hot and the cold. In the hot state, our emotions are stronger, while in the cold state, we tend to be more rational and logical. The brain’s reward centre becomes more active during the hot state, making it difficult for us to make the most appropriate and rational decisions.

Hong Kong teen shows how empathy is tied to community service

In real life, I believe that people often lean towards being emotional. It is natural for human beings to have emotions. However, it is important to control and release emotions calmly. Otherwise, we may become overwhelmed by impulsive feelings, which can affect our mental health.

Nonetheless, this does not mean that we need to hide our feelings all the time. We should acknowledge our emotions and find healthier ways to release them. It is also essential to face the underlying problems with courage and reflect on how to improve.

Do not perceive yourself as irrational just because you have emotions.