Youth seek online empathy amid family connection gaps

Young people in Vietnam are increasingly turning to online spaces to seek empathy and connection, often due to a perceived lack of understanding or communication within their families. The rise of social media groups, such as those titled “People who hate their parents,” suggests a growing trend where youth use digital platforms to share frustrations and find solidarity with others facing similar domestic challenges.

While these groups provide a sense of belonging and a way to vent without immediate judgment, experts warn of significant risks. The “crowd effect” on social media can escalate minor grievances into extreme or oppositional mindsets. Furthermore, there is a danger that children may lose connection to the real world, making them vulnerable to online predators or deceptive individuals who exploit their need for emotional validation.