‘Loạn’ chiêu trò trong phim ngắn chiếu mạng | VTV24

Key Concepts:

• Web Drama (Phim ngắn chiếu mạng): Short-form online video content, typically a few minutes to tens of minutes per episode, characterized by fast pacing and dramatic plots.
• Low-brow tastes (Thị hiếu tầm thường): Content appealing to superficial or base desires, often focusing on money, betrayal, or incest.
• Interaction bait (Câu tương tác): Content designed to generate engagement (likes, shares, comments) through sensationalism or controversy.
• Pre-censorship (Tiền kiểm): A system of reviewing and approving content before it is released, typically for traditional media like cinema.
• Social media platform responsibility (Trách nhiệm của nền tảng mạng xã hội): The obligation of online platforms to manage and curate the content they host.
• Cultural values (Giá trị văn hóa): Societal norms, traditions, and moral principles.
• Aesthetic values (Giá trị thẩm mỹ): Principles concerning beauty and artistic taste.
• Moral values (Giá trị đạo đức): Principles concerning right and wrong behavior.

Summary:

The Rise and Impact of Web Dramas

Web dramas, originating from China and spreading to Latin America, Southeast Asia, and notably Vietnam in recent years, have become a significant online entertainment phenomenon. Unlike traditional long-form television dramas popular in the early 2000s, web dramas dominate digital platforms due to their short episode lengths (ranging from a few minutes to tens of minutes), fast-paced editing, and dramatic, intense narratives. This format offers immediate gratification but also reveals concerning limitations in artistic content and societal impact.

Content Concerns and Societal Repercussions

These short videos often cater to low-brow tastes, revolving around themes of money, betrayal, and even incest, provoking strong emotions in viewers. Examples highlighted include unrealistic plots like a mother-in-law posing as a painting to test her daughter-in-law, and content that promotes infidelity, social vices, and defamation for the sake of interaction. Many viewers perceive these web dramas as nonsensical, offensive, and disrespectful of their intelligence. The narratives frequently lack logic, serving only to attract views, and often depict dangerous scenarios, disregard for the poor, and even glorify lifestyles like being a "third party" in relationships. Furthermore, some content features suggestive attire and can present a negative image to young audiences.

The creation of explicit scenes, violence, and unrealistic tragic stories is common among web drama production teams aiming to boost interaction. Some ethical values are distorted into entertainment, creating a toxic content environment that disregards traditional cultural values and good customs.

Expert Analysis: Dr. Trịnh Hòa Bình

Associate Professor Dr. Trịnh Hòa Bình, former Director of the Center for Public Opinion Research at the Institute of Sociology, discusses the implications of these web dramas. He states that the repercussions of such short videos and clips are "unforeseeable" and dangerous, as they immerse viewers, especially young ones, in a specific environment that can negatively influence their attitudes and behaviors. The lack of verification and understanding of the long-term consequences makes this issue particularly concerning for each member of society.

Dr. Bình emphasizes the danger of these dramas influencing the ideology of young people. He contrasts the strict censorship applied to theatrical films with the lack of oversight for short films released on internet platforms.

Addressing the Challenges: Regulation and Responsibility

Dr. Bình suggests that while traditional films require pre-censorship, short films and web dramas are more pervasive and difficult to control. He proposes that social media platforms that host these dramas must be held accountable. He draws a parallel to countries that have banned platforms like TikTok, suggesting that collaboration with these platforms is crucial.

Beyond regulation, Dr. Bình advocates for flooding these platforms with positive content that promotes good values, framing it as a "war" to push back against negative influences. This involves not only preventing harmful content but also actively producing and promoting positive alternatives.

The Role of Audience Demand and Shifting Tastes

The discussion then shifts to the demand side, acknowledging that the massive supply of such content is driven by a significant audience. Dr. Bình posits that a considerable portion of the young audience has developed "lenient" viewing standards, accepting illogical and trivial stories that disregard positive values and instead promote superficial aspects of life. This trend reflects a "common and lenient taste." He stresses the need for broader educational efforts to equip audiences with the awareness and critical thinking skills to approach cultural and artistic products.

Platform Accountability and Future Directions

Regarding the responsibility of social media platforms operating in Vietnam, Dr. Bình suggests that a "convention" or agreement might be necessary, especially for content that doesn't explicitly violate laws. He believes that a higher level of commitment from platform owners is required to prevent more drastic measures, such as outright bans.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The summary concludes by reiterating that these nonsensical short dramas severely impact the cultural and aesthetic values of the majority, particularly by misdirecting the thoughts of young people, which is deemed extremely harmful. Tightening management is presented not only as a legal requirement but also as a responsibility to protect culture, aesthetic values, and morality. The audience is urged to elevate their standards when selecting content, thereby contributing to increased collective awareness and the deterrence of harmful content.