Many young people are engrossed in social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram by texting and chatting online, causing them to find it hard to verbally communicate with others.

In the digital era, the youth tend to engage in dialogues via social media, which might reduce their verbal skills.

Many teens are not confident in direct communication.

Phi Bao, a reader of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, said that she is serving as a lecturer at a public university and some schools, so she frequently interacts with students.

“Despite majoring in the English and Chinese languages, which require learners to have good verbal skills, many students are shy to get into face-to-face conversations,” Bao shared.

“I often observe that at break time, several just stay seated in one position and do not talk to other students or the lecturer.

“Instead, they prefer using their smartphones.

“I usually actively start a conversation with some students, while they just reply to the questions rather than keep the conversations going." 

Bao added that they love to watch videos on YouTube or short clips on TikTok.

She also expressed her shock that some even texted her to ask for early leave one Saturday afternoon via Zalo when they were in class.

In addition, some practice the conversations of a new lesson in front of the class, but they just look down without eye contact.

Timidity in communication seems to be common, not only among students but also young workers, said the reader.

In spite of working in the same room, many office workers tend to send messages instead of getting into a face-to-face discussion.

Social media helps users discuss with their co-workers quickly and avoid disturbing others, but one of its downsides is that many people rely too much on it for communication, resulting in a lack of confidence in fitting in with others.

The reader suggested that young people limit their use of social media and instead focus on reading newspapers for information and knowledge. She also encouraged exploring books on communication skills and participating in clubs or courses that help develop verbal abilities.

Those who are good at verbal skills will see their relationships expanded and enjoy an interesting life, as well as look approachable.

Lack of confidence in communication might make life boring.

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