No more hate comments(25.02.12)
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2025.02.13 15:38:05
Everyone agrees with Nobel laureate Han Kang who observed that "Language is the thread that connects us."
However, in reality, there are words that cut this thread of connection. Among them, hate comments have become one of the most serious issues.
Hate comments are not just confined to online comments. They deeply wound people, break relationships and can even cost lives. They are not merely personal issues; they are problems that negatively impact society as a whole. In particular, some politicians consistently spread hate through various media outlets, which then reaches the public unfiltered, further harming society at large. The fair and rational discussions that politics should encourage are distorted by hate speech, undermining the very essence of resolving issues through dialogue and compromise. Even more concerning is that hateful comments not only escalate ongoing conflicts but also harm future generations.
Recently, hate comments brought immense shock to the bereaved families of the Jeju Air tragedy. Already suffering from the deep pain of the tragic accident, the bereaved families were further traumatized by hate comments, baseless slander and other hurtful remarks. This made their healing even more difficult.
The recent death of a TV weathercaster was also attributed to bullying and hateful comments as contributing factors. Hate comments have now become a societal issue, extending beyond an ethical concern in the online space to having a deadly impact on both lives and mental health. In order for our society to restore the positive functions of language, we must define hateful comments and hate speech as social violence, beyond individual ethical issues, and create practical solutions for this problem.
According to research, a common trait among internet trolls is low self-esteem. They hide behind anonymity and post hateful comments in an attempt to feel superior to well-known individuals. A survey by the Korea Internet & Security Agency found that 45.7 percent of elementary school students admitted to leaving hate comments "just for fun." Among the general public, 41.7 percent said they did it "because they were angry at the other person," while 37.5 percent said they did it "just for fun." The fact that people who post hateful comments do not recognize the severity of their actions indicates that hate speech will not easily disappear, not just among adults but also teenagers.
To restore the positive role of language in our society, we must recognize hateful comments and hate speech as forms of social violence rather than just an ethical issue and implement practical solutions to combat them. In an AI-driven social media landscape, where misinformation and bias can easily spread, it is crucial for netizens to resist being influenced by hate. Addressing the root causes of hateful comments is essential to creating a healthier online environment.
First, we must innovate in education. Instead of focusing solely on university entrance exams, we should prioritize strengthening character education. This means teaching not just academic knowledge but also the fundamental values and morals necessary for becoming a good person. It’s essential to actively promote character education in schools and expand it throughout society.
Second, community service records should be considered in both higher education admissions and employment processes. To encourage active participation in character education among teenagers, points for community service and good deeds should be factored into college admissions. Similarly, companies should implement systems that consider these points in their hiring processes. After all, companies need individuals with good character, not just skilled workers who lack it.
Third, legal penalties for cyber violence should be strengthened. While cyber defamation can result in a maximum prison sentence of seven years, insults carry a maximum sentence of one year and sexual insults up to two years, these penalties are often insufficient. In reality, many offenders receive only fines or suspended sentences. For example, in Germany, a law has been introduced that imposes fines of up to 75 billion won on internet service providers that fail to remove hate speech. The growing demand for harsher sentences and greater accountability must not be overlooked.
Fourth, we can help save people who are on the verge of making extreme decisions due to hateful comments. The key to changing the minds of those contemplating such actions is to leave encouraging messages that offer courage and hope. If they had seen messages like "You are someone worth living for. You make a difference in our lives," or "You will meet someone better," they might not have felt compelled to end their lives. Tragically, we continue to witness celebrities losing their lives to hateful comments, and, over time, these events tend to be forgotten. Such repeated tragedies can be prevented with supportive and considerate comments.
Now, we must put an end to hateful and malicious comments, workplace bullying and focus on restoring broken relationships through sincere apologies and kind words. The stronger and more beautiful the "thread that connects us," the healthier and more harmonious our society will become.
Min Byoung-chul is an endowed chair professor at Chung-Ang University and the founder and chairman of the Sunfull Foundation in Korea.