New Citizen

(DTO) Digital technology has transformed numerous facets of social life, permeating the daily existence of every individual. Today, anyone can connect with the vast world in an instant, ushering in a faster and more modern lifestyle.
As a natural progression, when every process is digitized, life can evolve at the frantic pace of technology-often exceeding one's expectations-with just a few simple taps. This digital tempo compels individuals to constantly innovate and adapt. It is from this foundation that the life of the "new citizen" begins, and a new culture takes shape.

From practical experience, we see that culture encompasses values, norms, beliefs, etiquettes, customs, and patterns of behavior within a given community.

Yet in an accelerated digital society, as digital culture takes form, new etiquettes, customs, and habits are gradually emerging, especially on social media.

Unlike traditional cultures of the past, which often bore strong local characteristics, digital culture is defined by speed and rapid dissemination. It can cross borders instantly, creating online communities that absorb new values at an impressive pace.

Reality has shown that digital culture is indeed a new kind of culture. As it takes shape, so too do new forms of etiquette and conduct specific to the digital environment, leading to notable shifts in behavior.

In practice, this new culture is most visible on social networks. In this virtual space, people’s opinions are expressed more freely and more quickly, shaping public sentiment at a rapid rate and allowing democratic expression to flourish.

But there is also a downside: many users voice prejudiced, improper, or even coarse remarks on online platforms.

More seriously, some individuals attack organizations or other people directly, even when the accuracy of the information has not been verified. This phenomenon is not new, but it continues to surface here and there, across various forums.

A close look at current public discourse, especially in the lead-up to important events such as elections for the National Assembly and People’s Council at all levels, shows that alongside positive information, there are also unfounded or harmful claims about certain organizations and individuals.

Some even exploit online forums to criticize or target specific people or groups. Faced with this reality, new citizens must remain clear-headed and discerning.

A new culture shaped by digitalization will, in turn, shape new citizens. In this emerging environment, each person’s behavior must evolve to keep pace.

Yet despite these shifts brought by digital transformation, the fundamental values of truth, goodness, and beauty must remain unchanged. And although this new culture is taking form, any behavior that violates social norms must still be handled in accordance with the law.

This is why the new citizen must be grounded in a new cultural foundation, built on new yet principled standards.

By THE ANH
Translated by ANH DUC