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Internet Discourse 251

nication network in Korea, there are public discussions regarding
Kidnet. Public bulletin boards have been organized. One of them is
called “We Oppose Kidnet,” and the other is the “Kidnet Corner.”
Table 3 illustrates citizens’ opinions concerning Kidnet. 5
On the bulletin board “We Oppose Kidnet,” the most frequent
point of criticism attacks the commercialism of Kidnet. Out of a total
of 186 articles, 16% criticize the commercial interests of a media con-
glomerate such as Chosun Daily and its use of Kidnet as an adver-
tising and marketing tool. In particular, some people contend that
commercializing the Internet in these ways leads to unequal access
to information.
Others point out that Korea should establish a better educational
structure before stressing Kidnet (18%). Some more aggressively
decry the negative educational effects of Kidnet (7%). Additionally, the
potential cultural impacts of the Internet are considered important is-
sues. Some people are concerned that emphasizing Internet use will
suppress children’s outdoor culture of play and instead constrain them
within small rooms (5%). Two articles also bring up the problem of cul-
tural dependency on foreign influence.
Some people worry that indecent information will negatively af-
fect elementary school children. The language barrier to Kidnet
users is also often pointed out since the most information found on
6
the Internet is in English. Some people argue that the Internet is in
fact worse than useless for primary school students: they claim it
makes students lazy and that they lose touch with what is of real
value in their lives (5%).
Responding to such critical opinions, some people discuss the
positive side of Kidnet on the same bulletin board. They claim Kid-
net has beneficial effects on Korean education (6%). Journalists also
participate in the discussion. There are five articles by Kidnet re-
porters on the bulletin board.
Table 3 also makes clear that at “Kidnet Corner” there are more
diverse opinions than on “We Oppose Kidnet.” More supportive opin-
ions are presented, and people are more interested in technological
issues rather than social ones. Compared to “We Oppose Kidnet,”
dissenting opinions on “Kidnet Corner” do not deny the value of the
Internet in education: they only question the methods of the Kidnet
movement. 7
Two public bulletins argue that Korean schools should first im-
prove educational conditions before utilizing the Internet (thirty
articles each). Without establishing the appropriate infrastructure,
they argue, organizing Internet use will be less useful for students.