However, Thang's thumbs, a pharmaceutical representative in Ho Chi Minh City, have not rested for a second. He continuously and unconsciously scrolls through short videos on TikTok and Facebook, from the moment he enters a cafe until he leaves.

"Many times when I'm not in a good mood, I scroll even more as a reflex," Thang shared, describing feeling drawn in like someone falling into a state of ambiguity and confusion. "The more I watch, the more tired I feel, my mind empty, but after putting my phone away for 5 minutes, my hand automatically reaches for it again."

For many, this addiction seeps into even the most private spaces and destroys their sleep. Sang, 28, a communications specialist, used to indulge in 15-20 minutes of phone scrolling before bed to relieve stress after a long workday. But the line of self-control quickly blurred as he continuously got caught up in sensational "drama" and exposé videos.

"Initially, I only intended to watch a few clips, but then I was startled to look at the clock and it was already 2-3 AM," Sang recounted. Every night he scrolled on his phone, he suffered from insomnia, his mind strained from thinking about the useless content he had just watched. Sang's next day began with fatigue, forgetfulness, and a sluggish, lifeless body.