Digital Duty: Vietnamese Youth Guide Parents into the Online World
Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Young people are increasingly becoming digital guides for their parents, helping them navigate the online world.
- This role reversal strengthens family bonds by fostering communication and bridging generational gaps.
- The concept of filial piety is evolving to include ensuring parents are not left behind by technological advancements.
In Vietnam, a new form of filial piety is emerging as younger generations guide their parents into the digital age. Many young people are becoming "accidental tech teachers," assisting their parents with everything from saving files and making video calls to using AI tools like ChatGPT.
Filial piety isn't just about sending money or buying gifts. Every era has its way of showing filial piety. In a society that is increasingly digitized, helping parents not feel lost is a very meaningful gift.
This shift not only helps older adults adapt to technology but also creates opportunities for deeper family connections. As one reader noted, "Filial piety isn't just about sending money or buying gifts. Every era has its way of showing filial piety. In a society that is increasingly digitized, helping parents not feel lost is a very meaningful gift."
People often talk about filial piety in grand terms, but I think nowadays filial piety also means not letting parents be left behind because of technology.
Readers shared personal anecdotes, like one who recalled a mother struggling to get a hospital appointment because she didn't know how to use the system. This experience highlighted how digital divides can make the elderly feel isolated. The consensus is that patient guidance on simple tasks, such as saving contacts or using QR codes, can significantly ease their lives.
The most valuable gift lies in the time children spend sitting beside their parents, patiently guiding them to get acquainted with technology.
Beyond basic operations, children are also seen as digital "shields," protecting their parents from online scams. Experts emphasize that true digital transformation is measured not by smartphone ownership, but by safe technology use. This evolving understanding of care underscores the importance of digital literacy for all ages.
The measure of digital transformation is not how many people know how to use smartphones, but how many people use technology safely.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Thanh Niรชn in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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