CyberSafety – South Koreans Raise Alarm Over Rising AI-Based Online Abuse

CyberSafety – South Korea is witnessing growing concern among both young people and adults over the misuse of artificial intelligence in online spaces, particularly in the form of deepfakes and misleading content.

More than four out of five individuals in South Korea have expressed unease about the increasing misuse of generative AI technologies in cyber environments. A recent survey highlights that both teenagers and adults are becoming more aware of how such tools can be exploited to create harmful digital content, raising serious social and ethical concerns.

Survey Highlights Widespread Awareness

The findings come from a large-scale survey conducted by the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) between September and November last year. The study included responses from over 9,000 students, ranging from elementary to high school levels, along with more than 7,500 adults aged between 19 and 69.

According to the data, nearly 89.4 percent of teenagers acknowledged the seriousness of AI-driven online abuse. Among adults, 87.6 percent shared similar concerns, indicating that awareness is high across different age groups.

Ease of AI Tools Raises Concerns

One of the key issues highlighted by younger participants was how easily artificial intelligence tools can now be used to generate content. Many teenagers pointed out that creating manipulated images, videos, or text has become more accessible than ever, making it harder to control misuse.

Adults, on the other hand, were more concerned about the lasting impact of such content. They noted that AI-generated material, once circulated, can continue to harm individuals repeatedly, even after initial incidents have passed.

Mixed Trends in Cyber Abuse Cases

The survey also revealed shifting trends in the prevalence of cyber abuse. Among teenagers, 42.3 percent reported experiencing some form of online harassment in 2025. This represents a slight decline compared to the previous year.

In contrast, adults reported an increase in such incidents. Around 15.8 percent of adult respondents said they had faced cyber abuse, marking a noticeable rise over the same period.

These figures suggest that while awareness may be improving among younger users, challenges persist across all age groups.

Strangers Remain Primary Source of Abuse

For both teenagers and adults, the majority of online abuse cases were linked to individuals unknown to the victims. Strangers accounted for the largest share of offenders, followed by acquaintances or friends.

This pattern indicates that digital platforms continue to expose users to risks beyond their immediate social circles, making online safety measures even more critical.

Government Stresses Need for Responsible Use

KMCC Chair Kim Jong-cheol emphasized that cyber abuse goes beyond simple online misconduct. He described it as an issue that can damage personal dignity and infringe upon fundamental rights, including the pursuit of happiness as protected under the Constitution.

He also noted that authorities are working to encourage responsible use of digital platforms and to build a safer online environment. Efforts are expected to focus on awareness campaigns, stronger regulations, and improved monitoring of harmful content.

Growing Need for Digital Literacy

The survey underscores the urgent need for better digital literacy and safeguards in an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving. As AI tools become more powerful and widely available, ensuring that users understand both their potential and their risks will be essential.

Experts suggest that education, policy intervention, and platform accountability must work together to address these emerging challenges effectively.