A growing body of research shows that the fear of other people’s opinions, or FOPO, is more widespread than many assume. This mindset influences decisions, behavior, and well-being, especially in Thailand’s collectivist culture where community approval carries long-standing importance. FOPO operates differently in Thai society, where “face,” social harmony, and tight-knit communities have deep roots. In our digital era, this dynamic is intensified by online validation and public feedback.
FOPO means constantly scanning for cues of approval or disapproval. Clinicians describe it as an adaptation from humanity’s ancestral need to belong, now felt as a brain reaction to perceived judgments. Psychologist Michael Gervais notes that FOPO is marked by hypervigilance and social readiness, as people seek approval in everyday actions—from how a text is written to how a colleague reacts in a meeting.
This phenomenon is not fleeting. Therapists explain that FOPO often grows in environments that reinforce concern over others’ opinions, especially where family or community reputation matters. The rise of social media has broadened its reach; likes, comments, and online interactions offer measurable validation. A US-based therapist remarks that many Thai youths now face pressure to curate an image on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Researchers describe FOPO in three phases: anticipation, checking, and responding. Anticipation happens before a social encounter, bringing anxiety and mental rehearsal. During interactions, people shift their focus to others’ reactions, rather than genuine communication. Gervais explains that this preoccupation can dull listening and exhaust energy. In Bangkok’s fast-paced environment, such vigilance can feel overwhelming.
In the final phase, responding, individuals may conform to group norms despite private doubts. In Thai settings, this can appear as agreeing with the majority, laughing out of politeness, or suppressing personal ideas at work to avoid disapproval. FOPO can lead to living according to imagined judgments rather than personal desires.
Experts caution that ignoring others’ opinions entirely is neither practical nor healthy. Relationships and communities matter, but individuals can learn to limit how much opinions influence them. Recognizing FOPO—naming it aloud—helps reclaim agency. Common FOPO behaviors include compulsively checking one’s phone, staying late at work to avoid appearing uncommitted, or feigning familiarity with social topics to blend in.
In Thailand, cultural values such as rak na (desire to maintain a good face) and nam jai (consideration for others) amplify FOPO. Schools, workplaces, and families often emphasize harmony and respect for hierarchy, making social disapproval a powerful force. For youth, parental expectations and a vibrant digital culture heighten the risk of conformity. The public nature of online life means reputations can be scrutinized by peers, relatives, and strangers alike.
Traditionally, Thai society has prized harmony and non-confrontation, captured in the saying that people depend on each other like water and boats. Yet the digital era increases opportunities for public judgment, which can hinder creativity, innovation, and mental health. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows rising anxiety and burnout among teenagers and adults, partly tied to social expectations and fear of not meeting them.
So can Thais—especially younger generations—free themselves from FOPO? International and local experts recommend building self-awareness. Simply naming the habit can lessen its grip. Therapists suggest reflection exercises, such as imagining a life where one cared less about others’ judgments and considering what might have changed. This helps uncover the personal costs of living inauthentically.
A shift from performance-based self-worth to a purpose-based identity can also help. In Thailand, this means encouraging schools and families to support self-expression while honoring tradition. Working with mental health professionals can help clarify core values and separate them from social expectations.
Practical steps for readers include mindful self-talk during anxiety, setting boundaries with social media, and pursuing activities aligned with genuine interests rather than external validation. A therapist notes that authenticity improves how one presents and reduces concern about others’ judgments.
FOPO will likely persist in a highly relational society like Thailand’s, especially as digital platforms amplify both praise and criticism. However, a broader focus on mental health, reforms in education to foster creativity and critical thinking, and open dialogue about well-being can drive gradual progress. Awareness of FOPO and its roots is the first step toward change.
For individuals and communities seeking guidance, reflect on whether daily choices are driven more by imagined opinions than by personal values. When FOPO becomes overwhelming, seek professional support. Courageous acts of authenticity—sharing a new idea in a meeting, respectfully expressing a dissenting view, or posting a personal photo that reflects who you are—can gradually reclaim inner peace.
If you want to explore self-esteem, FOPO, and local support services, consult Thailand’s health authorities and trusted mental health organizations. Data and guidance from national health agencies emphasize practical strategies for managing anxiety and building resilience.
Informed by research and clinical practice, experts encourage a mindful approach to social expectations. Awareness and culturally sensitive strategies can help Thai individuals navigate FOPO while honoring tradition and fostering personal growth.