The Rise of Toxic Content and Online Thugs: When Recklessness is Mistaken for Bravery
In a society where genuine values are often overshadowed by the blinding lights of viral fame, meaningless, offensive, and even harmful content is gaining more and more traction on social media. The more shocking, bizarre, or deviant the content, the faster it spreads. And sadly, much of the audience consists of young people.
Videos portraying gang-like behavior, vulgar language, flaunting wealth, and promoting a reckless lifestyle attract millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. Many “online thugs” such as Phú Lê or Tiến “Bịp” have moved from the virtual world into real-life criminal activity—and eventually, behind bars.
So why do such toxic contents go viral? The answer is simple: people still watch them—even when they know it's trash. And when there’s an audience, there will always be content creators to meet the demand. This endless loop of watching and producing toxic content becomes a silent machine that’s eroding our minds.
Is Being Reckless Now Considered Cool?
Some young people today are dangerously mistaking reckless behavior for bravery. They believe doing what others dare not is a sign of strength. “Being too good is boring,” they say. So, people who dare to swear, fight, or teach how to gamble and scam for fast money are praised as daring and fearless.
One particularly alarming case came from a child who said, “Why study so much? Being a gangster is better—you get rich and have lots of fans.” This mindset reflects a deep misunderstanding—idolizing online thugs instead of real role models.
“Brain Rot”: When Our Minds Are Numbed by Trash Content
Media expert Lê Quốc Vinh refers to this as “brain rot”—a term introduced by Oxford Campus Dictionary that describes mental stagnation caused by consuming excessive low-value content.
People, especially young ones, get addicted to shallow entertainment. They start avoiding meaningful content because it requires thought and effort. Over time, their standards erode, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurry.
Parents Want Perfect Grades, But Ignore Real Behavior?
Educational expert Dr. Vũ Thu Hương highlights a deeper issue: the decline of moral education in both schools and families.
In the past, schools took serious actions against misconduct, and parents supported them. But now, many parents push back, fearing bad conduct reports will harm their child’s academic record. They downplay mistakes, as long as the grades look good on paper.
As a result, children no longer understand boundaries. If the digital world is boundary-less and the family is too, they lose their compass. They end up idolizing what should be rejected.
We Can’t Ban Everything—We Must Detox from Within
Completely blocking toxic content is nearly impossible. Kids can watch in secret or be exposed through peers. The key is to educate them so they can recognize the harm and choose not to engage.
This solution requires everyone’s cooperation:
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Families must set clear rules and lead by example.
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Schools need to foster environments that reinforce discipline and values.
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The online community should stop glorifying trash and resist sharing harmful trends.
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Young people themselves must be encouraged to participate in positive activities and find personal meaning in real life.
What You Watch is a Reflection of the Life You Choose
A progressive society cannot thrive if it celebrates distortion and deviance. Our youth—our future—must be shielded from this rising tide of online toxicity.
Remember: Social media is a tool, not a trash bin. And you are the gatekeeper of what enters your mind.
When no one watches, shares, or clicks, harmful content will disappear on its own. Let’s return social media to its true purpose—spreading knowledge, compassion, and meaningful connection.
