Digital waste and the responsibility of digital citizens

The rapid development of social media has brought numerous benefits, but it has also left the digital space facing a growing problem of “digital waste,” fake news and cyberbullying. Sensational content, abusive and insulting behavior, and the dissemination of unverified information to attract views not only distort ethical standards but also have negative impacts on users’ mental well-being, particularly young people.

Officers from the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Division provide students at Hong Thai Secondary School with guidance on how to identify malicious and toxic information on social media.

In recent times, some TikTokers and YouTubers with large followings have engaged in inappropriate behavior, producing offensive content, using vulgar language and adopting a defiant attitude toward public opinion to attract attention. According to Dr. Le Van Hung, an information technology expert from the Faculty of Education at Tan Trao University, when sensational content and engagement-baiting behavior go beyond legal and ethical boundaries, cyberspace can become a disruptive environment that negatively affects social life.

In August 2026, the Ministry of Public Security and police agencies in various localities announced the prosecution of a number of social media accounts with large followings for violations of the law. In the province, although there have been no prominent individuals using vulgar language, fabricated and false information continues to circulate. According to the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Division, in 2025 and the first six months of 2026, the unit received more than 80 reports, investigated and prosecuted 40 cases involving violations in cyberspace. Decree No. 174/2026/ND-CP, which took effect on July 1, 2026, also provides higher penalties for the provision and sharing of fake, false or distorted information, as well as defamatory content or material that harms the reputation, honor or dignity of individuals and organizations on social media.

In addition to legal sanctions, building a healthy online environment requires the awareness and responsibility of every digital citizen. The Code of Conduct for Cultural Behavior in the Digital Environment emphasizes that users must comply with the law, respect the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, behave in a civilized manner and take responsibility for their own actions.

In reality, many young people in Tuyen Quang are using cyberspace to spread positive values. Trieu Thi Vien, from Lam Binh Commune, chose to return to her hometown to start a business through digital content creation, focusing on promoting local culture, agricultural products and tourism. Sung Manh Hung, known by the nickname “Hung Ha Giang,” has also attracted tens of millions of views through videos promoting Vietnamese culture and the cultures of ethnic minority groups.

According to Dr. Le Van Hung, every citizen should uphold the law, practice digital ethics and kindness, verify information, refrain from facilitating the spread of harmful content, and proactively share inspiring stories and useful knowledge. At the same time, families and schools need to equip young people with digital skills and appropriate online behavior from an early age. Building a civilized online environment is not solely the responsibility of management agencies; it begins with each individual’s awareness and responsibility with every click.

Doan Thu