My Findings in South Korea

So I have this project for my Media and Society class. It's to explore the aspects of Media in South Korean Culture. My sections is Pop Culture. While it's not hard to find the Pop Stars and popular trends that these people are into, it's surprising to find the huge chasm in which separates us from them. South Koreans are pretty cool, they seems inviting and friendly. Of course they have their blend of individuals as do we in the United States. But as I comb through a culture that has been technologically "blessed" with the advent of Broadband internet stretching across nearly the entire country. 64% of their Population use a Social Networking device, such as Myspace or Facebook. They use primarily CyWorld, which is a blend of the aforementioned with Flikr, Youtube, and Secod Life options. The distinct Cutesy interface might not be as popular with Americans but the features are sure to attract a young demographic searching to connect with the outside world. We've often overlooked the technology that allows us to share pictures and video, especially live and streaming, with anyone across the world. While it is an amazing technology that eliminates some of the symptoms of loneliness it can also be a dangerous tool. There is a famous case of the Dog-Poop girl, who was harassed by internet vigilantes for allowing her dog to defecate on a Subway car in Korea, and not cleaning it up. This girl was photographed(Assumably by cell phones) and within hours her picture was up on the internet scolding her for breaking a social norm. The girl was eventually tracked down and her information release to the public. She harassed repeatedly and eventually ended up changing schools and seeking refuge. There is a dark side to this technology. But lest we not forget that everything can be used for good and evil and it is ultimately up to the individual to choose how they wish to utilize power. If we placed more emphasis on morals and good characters, then we can prevent many of the travesties that the internet has been blamed for. Two Asian actresses are said to have taken their lives over the disturbing comments made about them online. In a world where we learning through Media every day. How does one filter out what is real and meaningful, from what verbose and damaging? I can't answer that yet. There's never been a clean cut answer for anything. You kind of have to do what works till a better solution comes along. Ok, I've had my moment of epiphany. I need to recover.

Doc McValentine

That's my Rapport...be sure to comment.