For young people, this is not only a space for connection but also an environment that shapes perceptions, values and beliefs. Therefore, alongside its great benefits, the online environment also poses unprecedented challenges to maintaining the political resilience of the younger generation.
Viet Nam is currently among the countries with rapid growth in internet and social media development in the region. The proportion of internet users has now exceeded 75% of the population, most of whom are young people. The digital space has become a “borderless classroom”, where knowledge is shared quickly and from multiple dimensions. Many young people have effectively utilised digital platforms for learning, entrepreneurship, content creation, promoting Vietnamese culture, and spreading compassion and social responsibility. Numerous community initiatives and charitable campaigns have been launched and widely spread through social media, clearly demonstrating the positive role of technology in social life.
However, in recent times, the negative aspects of this environment have also become increasingly evident. It can be clearly seen that cyberspace is an open environment where various streams of information intersect, including not a few misleading, distorted, and even deliberately hostile contents. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology further increases this risk, as fabricated products such as “deepfake” images and videos are created with high sophistication, causing information disorder.
In that context, political resilience is no longer an abstract concept but becomes a “soft shield” that helps young people maintain their direction. Political resilience is demonstrated through steadfastness in ideological stance, firmness in the face of conflicting information flows, the ability to distinguish right from wrong, positive from negative, as well as a sense of responsibility when participating in cyberspace. It serves as a “compass” that helps young people avoid losing their way in the vast “ocean of information”.
In the article “Youth with the Future of the Nation” on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, General Secretary To Lam clearly stated: “Young people must dare to think, dare to act, and dare to experiment with new things; however, this does not mean acting arbitrarily, hastily, or chasing trends or short-lived fame. Innovation must be associated with serving the Fatherland, serving the people, complying with the law, respecting ethics, culture, community interests and national interests”. This message not only serves as guidance but also sets an urgent requirement for the younger generation in the digital era: to master technology without allowing it to dominate their awareness and actions.
To strengthen political resilience among young people, it is first necessary to build a solid cognitive foundation of the nation’s history, culture and development path. This is the “root” that enables young people to develop resistance against distorted narratives. When they clearly understand the value of national independence, the achievements of the renewal process, and the country’s development orientation, young people will have a basis for objectively evaluating information and will not be swayed by misleading viewpoints.
Alongside this, equipping them with digital skills and the capacity for “information immunity” is indispensable. Young people need to be guided on how to identify fake news, verify sources, analyse and evaluate information based on evidence and scientific reasoning. Critical thinking must be systematically trained and associated with a foundation of political theory, enabling young people not only to receive information but also to question, compare and verify it. This is the core capability for mastering the digital space.
Families and schools continue to play a foundational role in shaping the character and resilience of young people. The family is where initial values of ethics, lifestyle and patriotism are nurtured. Schools, through education in history, political theory and experiential activities, help reinforce learners’ awareness and beliefs. Innovating educational methods towards increased interaction, linking theory with practice, and applying technology in teaching will contribute to improving the effectiveness of political and ideological education. Youth and mass organisations continue to serve as important training environments. Through volunteer movements, youth forums and community activities, young people not only contribute but are also “tempered”, strengthening their resilience and sense of social responsibility. Practice is always the “great school” that helps young people mature and develop the ability to self-orient and act appropriately.
At the macro level, completing the legal framework and strengthening the management of cyberspace are urgent requirements. Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP of the Government on the management, provision and use of internet services and online information, with provisions on user account verification, is an important step in limiting anonymity and negative behaviours. Decision No. 423/QD-BVHTTDL in 2026 promulgating the Code of Conduct for cultural behaviour in the digital environment further affirms the responsibility of each individual and organisation in building a civilised and healthy cyberspace.
Another important requirement is to innovate methods of political and ideological communication. In the context of strong digital media development, the use of modern formats such as short videos, podcasts and infographics helps official content become more attractive and accessible, while also creating conditions for young people to participate in creating and disseminating positive information. When properly guided, each young person will not only be a recipient but also become a “communication agent” contributing to spreading positive values in society.
Most importantly, political resilience must be demonstrated through concrete actions in digital life. Each young person needs to form the habit of choosing official sources, verifying information before sharing, and proactively speaking out against false and distorted information. This is not only a civic responsibility but also a vivid expression of resilience in the digital age.
Given that cyberspace will continue to expand, along with increasingly complex challenges, if equipped with sufficient knowledge, skills and resilience, Viet Nam’s younger generation can fully master this space, turning it into a tool for learning, creativity and contribution. At that point, young people will be “immune” to negative impacts and become a pioneering force in spreading positive values, contributing to building a safe, healthy and humane cyberspace - an important foundation for the country’s sustainable development in the digital era.
