Happy and sad moments around Facebook

(Baonghean)Currently, Vietnam ranks 16th in the world in terms of Facebook user growth rate. According to statistics, the country has over 19.6 million Facebook users, accounting for 21.42% of the population. Young people, especially students, may spend 2-3, even 6-7 hours or more on Facebook daily. However, this remains an unregulated issue, lacking strict control, positive guidance, and users are not yet seriously aware of its implications.

Facebook is currently attracting a lot of young people on social media. (Illustrative image)

The launch of Facebook has attracted the attention of many users, especially students. Facebook helps people relax after stressful hours of studying and working. In addition, it provides the fastest way to access information; simply logging into Facebook using any device allows users to update themselves with a lot of information from friends and about their lives. Many people see Facebook as a place where they can express their true selves, their emotions – sadness, joy, anger… and life experiences.

Initially, Facebook was an initiative of a second-year student at Harvard University for a group of friends, initially named Thefacebook, but now it has spread widely and is no longer limited. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham, a student at Nghe An College of Education, shared: “On Facebook, I can share with friends, talk to foreigners to learn English, and also use it for entertainment like playing games.” Mr. Bui Nam Giao, 82 years old, from K11, Ha Huy Tap ward, also a big fan of science and technology, said: “Through Facebook, people feel free, without any hesitation, and can express their thoughts and feelings. Through it, we can also understand the diverse aspects of social life…”

Currently, the number of people addicted to Facebook is increasing, with the vast majority being young students. Many Facebook users don't realize when they became addicted, only feeling restless and uncomfortable when they can't access Facebook, leading to many negative consequences. Recently, there have been numerous scams via messages on Facebook. Scammers exploit the trust of those whose Facebook passwords they've stolen, then message the victims' friends with malicious intent. Many Facebook forums are created solely to gain Likes, Comments, and Shares. Much fabricated information, offensive images, attacks, and defamation are prevalent. Facebook can be linked to violent acts, sexual scams, property fraud, kidnapping, etc., creating a mix of "real" and "virtual" content that fuels public anxiety.

Furthermore, many students spend a significant amount of time on Facebook, neglecting their studies and negatively impacting their mental and physical health. The reality is that Facebook exposes us to unverified, false, and even harmful information. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous and can negatively affect politics, economics, morality, and many aspects of life, potentially harming the nation, groups, or individuals. However, many young people using Facebook are unaware of this, and very few use it effectively to bring practical benefits to society, do good deeds, or connect for charitable work.

Student Duong Thi Khanh Linh from Vinh Medical University stated: “Young people often post all their information, psychological states, and thoughts on Facebook. From there, malicious individuals can access their Facebook accounts to do things with unforeseen consequences. Making friends on Facebook is like making friends through a virtual network, so people can scam each other for their own benefit. This is also a negative aspect of Facebook that is currently prevalent.” At a newly established educational center in Vinh City, the issue of Facebook use was also discussed by many young people participating there: “What can I do to have a useful Facebook account?” Bui Minh Duc, a student from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Vinh University of Technology Education, shared: “To have a good Facebook account, first of all, I have to dedicate appropriate time and determine what I will use Facebook for.”

Undeniably, Facebook is a social media platform that attracts a large number of users. It's also considered a channel for people to share their feelings and comment on issues of concern to many. On Facebook, there are many posts shared by the community providing useful information, essential tools for everyone in life. Through this platform, many difficult and challenging situations, as well as inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, have received widespread support and sharing from the online community. The question is: what can be done to guide young students away from the negative consequences of this social media platform?

Youth organizations and schools need to hold thematic activities and clubs to equip students with more life skills and a more positive attitude towards accessing information. Mr. Duong Hoang Vu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union and President of the Provincial Student Association, said: “The Provincial Youth Union organized a forum on Facebook at Nghe An College of Education. Through this, we gathered information from young people about Facebook, and based on that, we guided them in building a model of youth in the new era. We widely implemented this to local branches and associations to share information, provide specific reports that closely reflect reality, and understand how to receive information in today's era.”

With the information explosion and the rise of social media like Facebook, today's youth need to be aware of its advantages and disadvantages in order to use it intelligently and effectively. They should use Facebook in moderation, focusing on wholesome, healthy, beautiful, and useful content.

Bui Tho

Provincial Radio and Television Station