An Application of Buddhist Principles to Reduce Youth Technological Addiction through Summer Retreat Program at Hoang Phap Monastery in Vietnam

Abstract

Technology addiction among Vietnamese youth has become an increasingly serious concern due to its negative effects on mental health, academic performance, emotional regulation, and social relationships. This research article has three objectives: first, to study the problems and causes of technological addiction among youth in Vietnam; second, to examine Buddhist principles and practices for reducing technological addiction; and third, to propose a summer retreat program at Hoang Phap Monastery applying Buddhist principles to reduce youth technological addiction in Vietnam. The study employed a qualitative research approach supported by descriptive survey data. Data were collected through documentary analysis, in-depth interviews with five key informants connected with Buddhist education and retreat activities, a focus group discussion with 15 young people showing signs of technology addiction, and an online survey of 106 students. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis, with survey responses coded to identify recurring patterns.

The findings show that the main causes of technological addiction among Vietnamese youth include academic pressure, social media influence, emotional dependence on virtual interaction, lack of life direction, weak time management, and insufficient family or social guidance. These factors contribute to anxiety, reduced academic concentration, weakened relationships, and poor emotional regulation. The study further finds that Buddhist principles can address the cognitive, emotional, and ethical dimensions of technological addiction. Mindfulness (sammā-sati) supports awareness of habitual device use; loving-kindness (mettā) encourages genuine human connection; gratitude (kataññutā) cultivates contentment; and right faith (saddhā) provides moral direction and discipline. Based on these findings, the article proposes a summer retreat program at Hoang Phap Monastery that integrates digital detox, meditation, Dhamma learning, communal living, gratitude reflection, loving-kindness communication, and faith-based contemplation as a culturally relevant model to help Vietnamese youth restore balance in the digital age.