With the rise of social media, unusual trends among Vietnamese youth are gaining traction, though some leave the public scratching their heads. From quirky challenges to strange culinary experiments, these trends spread rapidly online, generating mixed reactions.

Farewell check-in at “Shark Jaw” building

In recent days, as news broke that the iconic “Shark Jaw” building at Dong Kinh-Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi would be demolished before April 30, numerous young people flocked to the site to take commemorative photos.

For a week, from dawn to dusk, the area around the "Shark Jaw" building has been crowded with visitors capturing farewell snapshots.

Even on weekdays, the site remains packed, with some people spilling onto the road to snap photos.

Social media platforms are filled with nostalgic posts from young people sharing their check-in photos, expressing regret over the impending demolition of the landmark, which has long been a familiar sight for many living and working in Hanoi.

The Ice Bucket Challenge

One of the most globally recognized challenges among young people, the Ice Bucket Challenge, emerged in June 2014 as a campaign to raise awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Participants film themselves pouring a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads and then challenge others to do the same, with those refusing expected to make a charitable donation.

Vietnamese youth quickly embraced the trend, with numerous celebrities and internet personalities such as Sa Lim, Huy Me, and Ngoc Thao joining in, posting their icy dousing videos on social media and tagging others to take on the challenge.

Many Vietnamese singers and actors also enthusiastically took part in the campaign.

The “falling to flaunt” trend

Known primarily on Facebook and Instagram, the “falling to flaunt” trend involves posing as if one has tripped and fallen out of a vehicle, scattering personal belongings around.

Typically, the items displayed include luxury accessories like designer handbags, high-end shoes, smartphones, cash, supercar keys, and more.

The staged “fall” is then photographed and shared online, serving as a tongue-in-cheek way to show off wealth.

This trend became a social media sensation, with many influencers and internet personalities taking part. However, some criticized the trend as being excessive and boastful.

Pillow dress challenge

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the pillow dress challenge became popular as people embraced creativity while staying indoors.

To participate, one simply wraps a pillow around themselves and secures it with a belt, transforming it into a makeshift dress.

Participants would then strike glamorous poses and post their photos with the hashtag #pillowchallenge.

In Vietnam, the challenge attracted many celebrities, including Chau Bui, Kieu Linh, and model Khanh Linh, who shared their fashionable pillow looks on social media.

Weird food challenge

Despite facing criticism and warnings about potential health risks, the trend of sampling bizarre food combinations continues to attract adventurous eaters.

On TikTok, videos showcasing unconventional dishes like balut milk tea, scallion milk tea, century egg coffee, and salted chili coffee have gone viral.

Though these culinary experiments garner millions of views due to their novelty and oddity, health experts caution against such practices.

Combining ingredients in untested ways, particularly without proper food safety measures, can lead to allergic reactions or digestive issues.

Thanh Minh