VietNamNet Bridge – Using YouTube as a channel to discuss social issues concerning many young locals, 21-year old Tran Duc Viet has attracted more than 16,000 subscribers and more than 2.5 million views on this video-sharing network.

In November 2011, Viet started by posting a response clip to a Vietnamese student who talked about living in the US. One of the points he argued in the video was it is not necessary to flirt with an American woman to show someone’s good level of English.

As America is a melting pot, people living there may speak Spanish or an Asian language, and probably do not have a good command of English like international students.

After graduating from Hanoi Armsterdam high school in 2010, Viet received a full scholarship to study multimedia at Cameron University in Oklahoma (US). As an overseas student himself, Viet has been sharing different tips on living and studying in America.

From the success of the first clip, which has attracted more than 100,000 views, Viet made several more where he talks about breakups, sex education or the influence of K-pop on young locals.

“I notice that people are educated to please everyone from childhood. It is a necessary thing to do but does not apply for every case. Life is only meaningful if we can live and do according to our thoughts and have people listen and give feedback,” shared Viet.

Viet finds programming yourself to say or do what other people expect means showing little respect to self. In addition, it is impossible to please everyone.

Although they look simple, these videos usually take him a week to make, from brainstorming ideas, writing the script, to filming and editing. The clips, which last around 3-5 minutes each, take a close and friendly approach, carrying meaningful messages to young viewers.

Viet said he has two concerns about two types of people in his generation. First are those who cannot tell the difference between true and virtual values. With a good-looking appearance and a good relationship, some people can be promoted through means of media, mostly teen magazines and online sites. They soon develop fantasies about themselves and cling to virtual values rather than living up to themselves. Secondly are those who study and live a planned path, those who have their opinions looked down on, and thus little choice for their own life.

“I hope young people will live true to themselves. A society will hardly develop if everyone hesitates and avoids telling the truth,” he said.

VietNamNet/Tuoi Tre