From the dial-up days of 1997 to the explosion of mobile phones, and now the internet as an inseparable part of life, technology has evolved alongside Vietnam’s development - especially for its youth.

The government has played a critical role in laying the foundation for national digital transformation. The rise of social media has been a defining milestone - from Yahoo! 360° in the 2000s to today’s Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The emergence of artificial intelligence has brought profound breakthroughs, impacting every field.

According to We Are Social’s Digital Vietnam 2025 report, as of February 2025, Vietnam had 79.8 million internet users - 78.8% of the population - an increase of 0.3% from the previous year. On average, each user spends over six hours online daily, particularly in urban areas where more than 50% of the population accesses high-speed internet. Today, technology is not just a tool; it’s a constant companion for the majority of people.

Thanks to their agility in adopting new tech trends, youth are at the forefront of innovation. In The future for a rising generation, General Secretary To Lam emphasized: “In this new phase, the role of youth becomes even more vital. Young people are the backbone of our progress into a new era, the main force behind emerging industries, and the vanguard in building new social values, family values, and Vietnamese cultural standards.”

According to the General Statistics Office, in 2024, Vietnam had more than 20 million young people aged 16–30 - accounting for nearly 19.8% of the national population. Of these, 10.2 million were male and 9.8 million female; 12 million lived in rural areas, and nearly 8 million in urban areas. This demographic also makes up the most active internet users.

A 2024 survey by the Youth Research Institute under the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union revealed their main online activities include entertainment (75.4%), studying and information-seeking (71%), socializing (65.9%), and news updates (63.5%). These numbers reflect how internet use is reshaping how young people interact and consume information. Beyond entertainment, the internet is a rich resource for education, personal development, and social connection.

From tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok to photo and video editing apps, today’s youth are leveraging technology to boost productivity and creativity. Technology has erased geographic barriers, enabling Vietnamese youth to collaborate with peers, professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide with just a click or tap. Online communities formed around shared interests and industries are thriving. Access to global knowledge is easier than ever through open learning platforms such as MIT, Coursera, EdX, Khan Academy, and Udemy. Combined with AI for content personalization, these platforms offer high-quality learning - often free - helping youth upskill without leaving home.

Nguyen Hoang Son, a veteran programmer in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that the internet - with its rapid connectivity and vast knowledge base, especially through AI - offers immense learning opportunities. If used wisely, it fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. At home, he encourages his children to explore educational tools like Google, ChatGPT, documentaries, and online courses for school and life.

Technology also serves as a powerful driver of entrepreneurship. Cloud computing and low-cost digital tools have dramatically reduced startup costs. Social media is a cost-effective marketing and sales channel, while AI helps optimize operations and analyze markets. Many startup projects, born from simple ideas, have secured investment thanks to clear strategies and adaptability. Vietnamese youth-led ventures in EdTech, FinTech, and AgriTech have gained recognition for solving local problems with tech-based solutions.

Digital platforms and AI have also opened a vast creative space, allowing young people to showcase their individuality and turn passions into careers. Content creators like Hoa Hanassi, Chau Bui, Ong Anh Thich Nau An, and Tra Dang have built massive followings by producing unique, diverse videos across various topics. Technology is now a level playing field, where anyone can shine - perfectly aligned with the proactive, bold spirit of Gen Z and Gen Y.

The flip side of digital life

Alongside these advantages come serious concerns about growing tech dependency. In 2014, Vietnam had about 37 million internet users - roughly equal to its social media users. By early 2025, the number of social media users had exceeded 76 million, most of them teens and children. Surveys show that 82% of 12–13-year-olds and 93% of 14–15-year-olds use the internet daily. This raises pressing questions about balancing digital usage with real-life engagement.

Post-Covid, many children were hospitalized with anxiety disorders linked to excessive screen time. Some required psychiatric care for exposure to negative online content, with some even reporting suicidal thoughts. According to PubMed Center, 14% of Vietnamese teens have experienced cyberbullying. FOMO, social media and gaming addiction have led many young people into a “virtual life,” isolating themselves from real-world connections.

Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Associate Professor and Vice Rector of the University of Education at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, warned that many young people today blindly trust AI-generated responses. They don’t recognize that AI can be flawed due to limited input data or incomplete algorithms. The younger the user, the higher the trust - leading to overreliance and loss of independent thinking.

Another emerging issue is the “lying-flat generation” - young people who opt for passive lifestyles and avoid challenges. Their logic: “If I don’t work, I’ll be poor - but if I do, I’ll be poor and exhausted.” For them, not working only means financial hardship, which can be managed with savings or family support. But working also brings mental fatigue and emotional strain. “This mindset stems from low educational effectiveness, uninspiring jobs, and fears of AI replacing humans,” explained Dr. Nam.

Psychological risks are not the only concern. Data privacy and cybersecurity are top threats. Youth are curious and active online but often lack digital literacy in spotting fake news, avoiding scams, or protecting personal data. Fast-spreading information makes fact-checking difficult. Sensational content and conspiracy theories can easily sway inexperienced minds. Social media algorithms may create echo chambers - filtering only like-minded content - further polarizing opinions and narrowing perspectives.

Digital communication has also changed how young people interact. Speed often replaces politeness and nuance, leading to impulsive expression and emotional mismanagement. Misunderstandings, “drama,” and online attacks have become common, fueling community divisions. Some experts suggest that overloaded youth are more prone to aggressive communication, turning conversations into conflict rather than connection.

In just a few decades, Vietnam’s tech transformation has reshaped infrastructure, thought patterns, and culture. Amid this digital wave, young people must learn to navigate carefully to avoid losing themselves.

Nhan Dan