Mastering the virtual world

It's easy to see young people meticulously editing photos, chasing trends, and making shocking statements to attract attention. Behind those polished images, sometimes lies loneliness and a yearning for recognition. Many young people judge their self-worth by the number of interactions they receive, considering virtual fame as a measure of success. When virtual fame becomes the goal, society faces the risk of distorted values among a segment of young people.

The reasons stem not only from the allure of technology but also from the transformation of values in modern life. Young people grow up in a vast "sea" of information, where it's difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Without strong character and proper ideological guidance, they can easily be swept away by illusions, forgetting the importance of living with ideals and clear goals.

The consequences of a virtual lifestyle extend beyond distorted personal values; it also negatively impacts the social environment. Many young people fall into comparison, inferiority complex, disorientation, and even depression when their online image doesn't accurately reflect real life. The disconnect between the virtual and real world erodes communication skills, sharing spirit, and empathy. More dangerously, when values are virtualized, people easily become indifferent and apathetic to community issues.

The solution lies not in boycotting social media, but in how people master it. First and foremost, every young person needs to equip themselves with "digital immunity"—that is, the ability to filter, critically analyze, and self-regulate their online behavior. Only with the courage and ability to discern right from wrong, truth from falsehood, will young people avoid being led astray by social media.

Furthermore, it is necessary to cultivate a culture of responsible social media use, transforming the online space into an environment for learning, creativity, and sharing. Every post, every share, every comment should be considered as a cultural act.

When young people learn to respect the truth and uphold human values, they will contribute to creating a healthy online ecosystem where positive information is disseminated and negativity and harm are pushed back.

Besides individual awareness, the guiding role of family, school, and society is extremely important. Families need to accompany, listen to, and guide their children in online behavior. Schools should incorporate digital skills education , communication skills, and life values orientation into the curriculum. Organizations, especially the Youth Union, need to create more real-world platforms and forums for young people to express themselves through real actions and contributions.

In the digital age, "living virtually" may bring temporary pleasure, but only genuine values create lasting standing. By knowing how to use social media to learn, create, and contribute, young people not only master technology but also help spread the image of a generation of Vietnamese youth who are courageous, compassionate, creative, and responsible.

People's Army Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lam-chu-the-gioi-ao-post886390.html