SOCIAL NETWORK AND SOCIAL RELATIONS OF GIAY AND HMONG PEOPLE IN THE BORDER AREA OF LAO CAI PROVINCE (Case Study of Quang Kim Commune and Ta Ngai Cho Commune)

Abstract

The internet and social netwoks have become an indispensable aspect of the Giay and Hmong people’s live. The ethnographic method was used for the research, which included field surveys, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. According to research, the degree of use of Facebook, Zalo and Wechat allows them to maintain and expand social interactions, seek opportunities for economic development, and preserve ethnic culture, while also contributing to the people’s and the country’s common values. However, getting damaging and false information through social networks has a negative impact on these ethnic groups' cultural identities, posing a risk of social instability as well as national security and defence.