Utilizing Slang in Harmony with Modern Student Communication Trends in the Digital Era

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the communication practices of Vietnamese university students, leading to the emergence of distinctive linguistic behaviors in both physical interactions and virtual settings. Among these developments, the widespread use of slang has become a prominent sociolinguistic phenomenon, particularly thriving within online platforms. This study explores the key characteristics, underlying motivations, and communicative effects of student slang while recommending strategies for its constructive and culturally appropriate usage. By utilizing methods such as document analysis, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews, the research highlights how slang fulfills various purposes: fostering group identity, sparking linguistic creativity, and strengthening peer connections. However, excessive or unregulated use of slang may compromise standard language proficiency and widen generational communication gaps. The study concludes with practical recommendations to help students judiciously integrate slang into their communication practices, striking a balance between creative expression and linguistic integrity in the digital era.