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Human–Structure Interaction (HSI) can significantly influence the dynamic characteristics of pedestrian footbridges, particularly those distinguished by their lightness and slenderness. This study examines the performance of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD) and Semi-Active Tuned Mass Dampers (STMD) on pedestrian footbridges when their modal parameters change due to the influence of HSI. For this purpose, a 30 m long simply-supported footbridge with linear mass values ranging from 200kg/m to 2000kg/m and a fundamental frequency varying from 1Hz to 5Hz has been considered. In addition, several pedestrian streams with different pedestrian densities have been used to assess the structural dynamic response. The analysis highlights that structural lightness and slenderness are critical factors in determining whether the incorporation of an HSI model is relevant to accurately predict the dynamic performance of the structure. The findings indicate that while TMDs can become ineffective due to shifts in natural frequencies caused by HSI, resulting in a degradation of vibration reduction from 70–75% to 40–45%, STMDs demonstrate a robust capability to adjust and cope with these frequency changes, maintaining a higher average vibration reduction of around 55–60%. Consequently, STMDs emerge as a necessary solution for very slender structures where HSI significantly alters the global frequency response. This study highlights the importance of considering HSI in the design and implementation of damping solutions to ensure optimal functionality and user comfort on lightweight pedestrian bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]