In Vietnam, this transformation — often termed the "digital society" — has outpaced the control of governments, families, and even its creators due to its evolving complexities. The critical question is whether this shift is merely technological or a deeper reconfiguration of Vietnam’s cultural, ethical, and traditional foundations. Is digitalisation an inevitable stage of progress, or a choice with profound implications for the nation’s identity? As Vietnam embraces this change, it must confront the risk of eroding the values that have long defined its society.
The notion of human progress as a linear path—from agrarian roots to pre-industrial, industrial, and now digital eras—raises doubts. Must every nation follow this trajectory as an unassailable law? Or is the digital society one of several options? Some countries have rejected this model, preserving alternative ways of life. Vietnam, however, is charging towards digitalisation, harnessing information technology to revolutionise societal functions and elevate living standards. The essence of this shift lies in replacing direct, face-to-face interactions with technology-mediated exchanges that prioritise speed, scale, precision, and reach. From public administration to healthcare, education, security, tourism, and entertainment, digital platforms have reshaped how Vietnam operates, streamlining processes and expanding access to services.
Tasks once requiring personal presence—registering births or deaths, purchasing tickets, securing loans, or expressing romantic feelings—have been reduced to clicks, swipes, or voice commands on screens. The architects of this digital infrastructure aimed to boost efficiency in economic and administrative processes. Yet, this transformation risks destabilising the cultural and ethical foundations that have anchored Vietnamese society for centuries. The shift from physical to virtual interactions threatens to erode the emotional and communal bonds that define Vietnam’s identity, raising concerns about the long-term impact on its social fabric.
As Karl Marx described society as the “sum of social relationships,” what happens when those relationships are replaced by an “anonymous” digital interface? A striking example emerged during Vietnam’s 2025 Lunar New Year (Tết), when a prominent professor demonstrated on television how younger generations could perform ancestral rituals remotely using connected screens, bypassing the tradition of returning to hometowns. This innovation seems practical, saving time and costs. But it signals a profound shift in values. Returning home to honour ancestors or “embrace one’s mother” has long been a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, embodying familial duty and emotional connection. Now, for many, a virtual check-in—“Mom, are you okay? Do you need anything?”—suffices, delivered through a screen rather than in person.
This erosion of physical presence extends to intimate settings. Family members living under the same roof may go days or weeks without meaningful face-to-face interaction, communicating via messages across a mere 10cm wall. While faster and more efficient, these methods come at a steep cost: the absence of emotional depth. Relationships are growing colder, more fragmented, and increasingly isolated. Two decades ago, sociologists noted how urbanisation—highways, box-like apartments, sealed-off offices—fractured communities. The rise of information technology has deepened this isolation, plunging individuals into greater solitude. Meta’s co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has acknowledged IT’s role in fuelling a “loneliness epidemic,” a phenomenon acutely felt in Vietnam, where communal values and familial ties have been paramount.
The citizen-state relationship is also transforming. As scholar Nguyễn Hữu Nguyên argues, IT-driven governance has widened the gap between authorities and the public. Digital portals mediate most interactions, leaving officials disconnected from citizens and vice versa. When systems falter, intermediaries or “brokers” step in, eroding trust and accountability. This depersonalisation risks undermining the social contract, replacing it with a faceless, transactional dynamic. The reliance on digital systems also raises concerns about accessibility, as not all Vietnamese citizens—particularly in rural areas—have equal access to the technology needed to engage with these platforms, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.
Yet, resistance is emerging. Advocates of Vietnam’s traditional values are pushing for “disconnect to connect.” One mother enforces a rule during family meals: all phones are locked in a box for 40 minutes, fostering genuine human connection. This reflects a broader yearning to preserve the emotional and cultural bonds that technology threatens to unravel. Such efforts highlight the tension between embracing digital progress and safeguarding the traditions that define Vietnam’s identity, a challenge that resonates across generations and communities.
The stakes are high for a nation steeped in history. Ancestral worship, family reunions during Tết, and the warmth of physical presence are the glue binding Vietnamese society. As these practices shift to screens, the risk of cultural erosion grows. Vietnam’s challenge mirrors a global one: the digital society’s promise of efficiency often breeds isolation. Policymakers, educators, and families must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring technology serves progress without sacrificing human connection. Without this, the digital society risks becoming a hollow triumph—connecting devices but isolating hearts.
