Smartphones makes young generations lazier. Why?

THE HANOI TIMES — Older adults should continue working since they can stay up late and wake up early. Middle-aged people should go back to school due to their eagerness to learn. But what about young people? They belong in retirement homes because all they need is a phone to lie around all day.

This joke has gone viral on social media. At first, it seems funny and absurd, with a hint of sarcasm. However, behind the humor lies a concerning reality: many young people today are living more passively than ever before. They are practically glued to their phones, withdrawing from the real world. Meanwhile, older generations seem to be more active and socially engaged.

Is it laziness or spending leisure time?

In modern society, the elderly have earned the right to rest and receive care, while middle-aged people take on responsibility. They lead, connect, and help society grow.

Young people are expected to be the driving force of change. They are full of energy and eager to learn.

Yet, in some places today, that structure seems to be upside down. Older people are still working. Middle-aged adults are going back to school. Meanwhile, many young people are lying around all day, scrolling endlessly on their phones, rather than studying, exploring, or working, as if they are already retired.

From bed to café to schoolyard, teens and young adults can be found spending hours with their eyes on screens and headphones in, lips sealed.

They either walk alone or gather in small groups, but they rarely talk to one another. Real conversations are being replaced by emojis and stickers. Walks in the park have been replaced by endless hours of watching videos on the Internet.

This physical passivity is already taking a toll on their health.

A 2024 survey by the Institute for Youth Studies under the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union found that 44% of Vietnamese people aged 16-30 reported health issues requiring treatment. Only one-third exercised regularly, and fewer than 40% were interested in learning about health and wellness. Incidences of obesity, joint problems, and spinal issues are rising rapidly among young people, especially among those who overuse digital devices.

Young people choose cafés and restaurants with pretty spaces, good drinks, and strong Wi-Fi, and then spend hours gaming or scrolling online. This isn’t just about physical health. It reflects a lifestyle that used to be associated with old age.

Emotional withdrawal

Even more troubling is their emotional withdrawal. Many students admit that they feel disconnected from the real world, that they only know how to talk about online topics, and that they are afraid of face-to-face conversations.

This is a form of "digital retreat," in which people hide inside a virtual shell. They interact through screens, gradually distancing themselves from real-life connections.

Meanwhile, older generations appear to be more engaged with the world around them. In parks, fitness clubs, and community groups, seniors exercise, chat, and stay active.

They’ve learned to use social media to communicate with their grandchildren, learn new things, and follow the news, not to escape reality. Middle-aged people lead balanced, responsible lives by working hard, supporting their families, and striving for self-improvement.

By contrast, many young people who should be enjoying the prime of their lives are choosing to retreat into a digital cocoon. They are usually unmarried and have fewer responsibilities, so they have more time to study, work, or explore.

Many people spend hours each day exploring the internet and keeping up with the latest trends. Yet, they don't remember their neighbor’s name, recognize their classmates' faces, or care about extracurricular activities.

Some people refuse to take part in social events, openly admitting that they are "too lazy" or "too shy," or that it is "unnecessary" because their phone provides them with everything they want: entertainment, friends, and even validation.

A social problem

The same 2024 survey revealed that nearly 30% of young Vietnamese people spend six to eight hours a day on their phones, yet only 10% regularly involve themselves in social, community, or volunteer activities.

This reveals a serious imbalance between online and real life. Experts call this "social disengagement" when people lose the motivation and ability to connect with others.

Over time, this can result in an inability to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, nonverbal communication, and adaptability to the real world.

From a sociological perspective, when young people withdraw from activities such as active learning, real-life communication, and creative work, it signals a breakdown in generational function.

For a society to be healthy, each age group must contribute. If not young people, then who will push things forward? This is especially important given that Vietnam’s population is aging quickly. If young people are already adopting a "retired" lifestyle, who will carry the load tomorrow?

Overreliance on technology can erode traditional human connections that form the foundation of families, communities, and institutions. Children who grow up using smartphones may have difficulty learning empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution in the real world.

Over time, this weakens the "social fabric," making communities less connected and more vulnerable to crises.

Let's be clear: Technology is not the enemy. Smartphones, social media, and AI are incredible human achievements.

However, when technology becomes a replacement for life itself, people choose to live in a virtual world instead of facing reality. This is no longer a personal choice, but rather a social issue.

That said, we must acknowledge that today's young people are facing an extremely tough world. They live under constant pressure from economic instability, job competition, and global crises, which makes it easy for them to feel overwhelmed.

For some, the online world becomes a temporary refuge, a place to rest, escape, and feel safe.

In this context, older generations also play a key role. They can set an example and provide guidance and encouragement.

But dismissive comments like “We survived war, and you’re whining about stress” only widen the divide. A better response might be: "We've been through tough times, too. Use that to fuel your strength."

Comments like “Young people belong in nursing homes because they don’t want to do anything. They just lie there with a phone” may be a joke, but it's still hurtful.

But behind that laugh lies a warning: If young people forget their purpose, who will build the future?

This is not just about the youth, though. It's about all of us: how we educate, how we create a healthy environment, and how we use technology to serve humanity instead of trapping it.

If the nursing home stops being a place for the elderly and starts symbolizing a generation's lifestyle, then it's no longer something we can laugh about.