by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Permanent Member of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Education 02/03/2025, 11:38

Digital culture as a driver for development

Digital culture is more than just technology; it also includes how people engage with constructed values and how it shapes the future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Permanent Member of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Education

With the rapid advancement of digital transformation, Vietnam has fantastic potential to create and cultivate a digital culture. But there are also a lot of difficulties associated with this chance.

Great power

At the moment, cyberspace and digital applications in all spheres of life are rapidly developing in Vietnam. Digital technology is permeating every aspect of life, from business and entertainment to healthcare, altering how people obtain information and make use of services. But are we prepared to create a sustainable digital culture? That relies on our ability to comprehend how it works, deal with the problems that arise, and identify the way forward.

Digital culture provides tremendous power. Since this is the secret that creates connections, fosters creativity, and propels progress. It must be controlled and directed, though, just like any other force. Otherwise, the liberation that comes with being online might turn into a cause of anarchy and strife. We need a digital culture where people are aware of their rights and obligations in addition to knowing how to utilize technology.

It's easy to see how digital technology has altered Vietnamese society in recent years. Social media sites like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok have become an essential aspect of everyday life. However, appropriate awareness does not always accompany this progress. Problems like false information, dangerous content, or even an over-reliance on technology are creating serious difficulties.

The disparity in access to technology is currently one of the main problems. Digital services and the internet are now commonplace in large cities. However, the digital gap continues to be a problem in rural and mountainous regions, where infrastructure is still scarce. How can everyone in Vietnam, whether they live in an urban or rural location, have the chance to engage with and benefit from the growth of digital culture? Both society and the government must provide solutions to that question. Furthermore, cybersecurity is growing in importance.

Digital culture provides tremendous power. 

Role of policies and laws

It takes a long-term plan and a complete perspective to shape digital culture. Education must be our first priority. More significantly, education should teach people how to live and function in a digital world rather than just how to use technology. In addition, the media has a significant impact on increasing public awareness of digital culture.

We cannot overlook the importance of laws in genuinely transforming digital culture into a force for progress. Controlling infractions in cyberspace requires a clear and stringent legal framework. However, legislation must also be adaptable to the constantly evolving nature of technology.

Digital culture must also be intimately connected to the country's traditional values. It is now more crucial than ever to preserve and advance Vietnamese cultural identity in a time when globalized norms are progressively taking over. To advance traditional artistic, historical, and cultural values, we must make use of the digital space. Digitally disseminating stories about craft villages, folk tunes, or distinctive practices would help the globe comprehend Vietnamese culture.

Additionally, we must promote innovation in the digital space. A well-developed digital ecosystem allows users to create, contribute, and build in addition to passively absorbing information. Digital products with a strong Vietnamese identity, like music, movies, or video games, will not only add to the wealth of cultural content but also generate revenue, advancing the country's digital economy.

International cooperation is also essential to the process of forming digital culture. Vietnam must actively participate in international forums and organizations on digital transformation while also learning from the experiences of other nations. Although we can draw inspiration from successful models in other nations, we must also exercise creativity to create a path that fits our unique circumstances and personality.

The collective efforts of the Vietnamese people will determine the future of digital culture. Everyone has a part to play in creating a safe online environment, including individuals, corporations, organizations, and legislators. Digital culture is about people and how we define and construct the future, not just about technology.

Vietnam must not only keep up with the rapid advancements in technology but also take the lead in creating a digital culture. In addition to establishing a secure and sustainable online environment, we are also fostering a culture in which technology and humans coexist. In the digital age, that is Vietnam's mission as well as its aim.