The concept of "mind softening" is not easy to identify. It is not a sudden change, nor is it a clear imposition. It is like water seeping through the soil, slowly, continuously, and when realized, the background has changed. In the context of the explosion of movies and social networks, this process is faster, deeper, and more difficult to control than ever before.
Modern entertainment films, from online series and web dramas to short clips spreading on social networks, are often built at a fast pace, with strong emotions, beautiful images and simple messages. A romantic love story can lead to a new perspective on marriage. An attractively painted "anti-hero" character can blur the line between right and wrong. A few dozen-second video about "ideal life" can make viewers unconsciously compare and doubt the value and daily labor of themselves.
It is no coincidence that many popular contents today tend to absolutely emphasize individualism, emphasize immediate enjoyment, or downplay foundational values such as discipline, responsibility, and community engagement. When these messages are repeated enough, they are no longer merely "entertainment content", but become a form of cognitive shaping.
Directive No. 58-CT/TW of the Secretariat has clearly pointed out the requirement to "improve the ability to identify wrong and hostile views" and strengthen political, ideological, and legal education for workers in the new situation. It is noteworthy that in that "new situation", there are not only direct misinformation, but also streams of content that seem neutral but are likely to gradually erode the cognitive foundation.
Softening" is dangerous in that it does not create resistance. People do not see themselves being affected, but simply see fit, see good, see corresponding to emotions. A worker after work can spend hours watching entertainment videos, and gradually form the feeling that success must be fast, life must be easy, and see that their persistent daily efforts are no longer worthy of respect. A young person can receive hundreds of "inspiring" stories but lacks the legal foundation, about their rights and obligations in labor relations.
From a social perspective, this is not just a personal story. When a part of workers are influenced by distorted or one-sided perceptions, the consequences can spread: From unrealistic expectations, emotional reactions, to the risk of being drawn up by false and inciting information. That is exactly what Directive 58 warns of when emphasizing the requirement to maintain stable labor relations and social order. However, the problem is not in "staying away" from movies or social networks. The problem lies in the approach. Directive 58 also emphasized the innovation of propaganda methods, application of technology, and creation of "short, visual, and accessible" content.
Reality shows that when stories about workers are told truthfully and attractively, when legal issues are interpreted in a close language, when values such as discipline, creativity, and solidarity are "recounted" in vivid images, they can completely compete with purely entertainment content. A short video about a technically improved worker, a feature about the rich life in an industrial park, or a everyday story but rich in humanistic meaning, if well expressed and widely spread, can create an impact no less than sensational content spreading online.
The important thing is to help viewers, especially workers and young people, have a cognitive "filter". That is the ability to ask themselves: What is this content saying, is it leading me to what way of thinking, and is it suitable for my real life or not. When you have that filter, you are no longer completely swept away, but can proactively choose.
Thinking softening" is not far away but present in every video, movie, every line of content every day. The problem is whether we are defined or alert enough to master how to receive them.
