Thoughtless Malice: Reinterpret Malicious Comments on Social Media and Proposing a Framework for Digital Citizenship Education

This study investigates the complex motivations driving malicious online comments on South Korean social media, framing this phenomenon as a form of technology-facilitated violence deeply rooted in unique socio-cultural and political contexts. To identify the underlying mechanisms of this behavior, this research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing a nationally representative survey of 1,000 Korean adults (aged 20-69) alongside in-depth interviews with 11 adults experienced in writing YouTube comments. The survey findings reveal that the primary motivations are not simple aggression but are instead linked to ‘countering disagreement,’ ‘personal prejudice,’ and a paradoxical ‘social justice’ motive. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis exposes that these motivations are significantly predicted by pervasive factors such as political polarization, socio-economic pressures, and a phenomenon of ‘moral licensing,’ whereby individuals who perceive themselves as ethically upright are more likely to engage in hostile online behavior. These results fundamentally challenge the efficacy of traditional digital literacy programs that focus on behavioral rules rather than these powerful underlying drivers. In response, this study proposes a context-aware framework for Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) in Korea, specifically designed to address these challenges. The proposed model emphasizes three core, interconnected domains: 1) Critical literacy on media platforms and systems, 2) Empathetic Communication and Conflict Transformation, and 3) Reflective and Responsible Civic Action. Ultimately, this framework aims to move beyond prescriptive rules to cultivate critical reflection on the structural drivers of online hostility, thereby equipping citizens to foster a more resilient and ethical digital society.