Recently, Lê Phạm Hiểu Ly (born 2001), better known as hot girl Ly Meo, was prosecuted by Ho Chi Minh City police and placed on the wanted list for failing to report a crime. Authorities revealed she is connected to an illegal drug trafficking ring.
On social media, she was known as a “hot girl” with stunning looks, a seductive figure, and a dream lifestyle. Her personal pages were filled with photos from upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and luxury trips. She built an image of success, financial independence, and full enjoyment of life. Tens of thousands followed Ly Meo, admiring and longing to live like her.
But that perfect picture shattered when authorities confirmed Ly Meo’s involvement in illegal drug trafficking.
From Ly Meo’s story, many social media users have tried to identify a common “formula” behind the tragedies facing some young people today, especially those famous online:
Living too much in the “virtual” world and chasing materialism: The first obvious pattern is building a flashy, extravagant image on social media. The pressure to “keep up” with others, to show off wealth and success, pushes some down the wrong path, ignoring the consequences.
Easy money and losing direction: Ly Meo’s image raises questions about where her huge wealth really comes from, allowing her to live such an extravagant life. Is it purely from business or legitimate work?
Making money through illegal shortcuts is tempting for some young people, leading them to abandon basic moral values and lose their way in defining their self-worth and life goals. This causes them to lose the clarity to distinguish right from wrong.
