Concerns Over AI-Driven Online Abuse Surge in South Korea

Synopsis

A recent survey shows that **over 80%** of South Korean teenagers and adults are worried about AI-related online abuse. The findings reveal alarming trends in cyber violence, prompting calls for action to protect users' rights and dignity.

Key Takeaways

Over **80%** of South Korean teens and adults are concerned about AI-related online abuse. **89.4%** of teens recognize the seriousness of AI-driven cyber violence. **42.3%** of teens reported experiencing cyber abuse in **2025**.

Strangers are the most common abusers for both teens and adults.

The government aims to improve digital platform safety.

Seoul, March 30 (NationPress) A recent poll has revealed that over 80% of teenagers and adults in South Korea are alarmed about online harassment linked to the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including the production of deepfake content and misinformation. This survey was conducted between September and November of last year by the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) and was released on Monday.

The findings indicate that 89.4% of teenagers acknowledge the severity of AI-driven cyber violence, while 87.6% of adults share the same concern.

The survey included 9,296 students from fourth-grade elementary to third-year high school and 7,521 adults ranging from ages 19 to 69, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Teenagers pointed to the ease of content creation using AI tools as their primary worry, while adults expressed anxiety about the potential for ongoing harm caused by AI-generated materials.

Additionally, the survey found that 42.3% of teenagers reported experiencing some form of cyber abuse in 2025, showing a slight decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. In contrast, the adult figure rose to 15.8%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points during the same timeframe.

In terms of channels, teenagers reported that text messages and online gaming platforms were the most common means of encountering cyber abuse, while adults primarily faced similar issues through text messages and social media.

For both age groups, strangers made up the majority of abusers, followed closely by friends.

KMCC Chair Kim Jong-cheol emphasized that cyber abuse transcends ethical concerns online, posing threats to individual dignity and infringing upon the constitutional right to happiness. He indicated that the government plans to promote healthy practices for digital platform usage, according to the report.

Point of View

It's crucial to recognize the growing fears surrounding AI-related online abuse in South Korea. This issue not only affects individual users but also raises broader questions about the safety and ethical use of technology in our society. The government's commitment to addressing these concerns is vital for fostering a secure digital environment.

NationPress

5 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of South Koreans are concerned about AI-related online abuse?

Over **80%** of teenagers and adults in South Korea express concerns about AI-related online abuse.

What are the main concerns regarding AI tools?

The primary concerns include the ease of creating harmful content and the potential for repeated harm from AI-generated materials.

How many people participated in the survey?

**9,296** students and **7,521** adults participated in the survey conducted by the KMCC.

What channels do teenagers and adults report for cyber abuse?

Teenagers mainly experience cyber abuse through text messages and online gaming, while adults report similar incidents via text and social media.

What actions is the government planning to take?