사이버 시민성 함양과 자유, 평등, 책임에 관한 윤리적 고찰

Abstract

In this article, I want to argue that the communication structure of cyberspace is not as liberal and egalitarian as many believe. In the early days of the Internet, thenetwork provided us with more freedom and equality. But the subsequent development of the communication structure has not been democratic. I adopt the social network analysis method to present a visualized landscape of the interactive cyberspace communication system. Communication netizens—the term for networked citizens—can be divided into three categories: Digital Stars, Digital Masses, and Traditional Social Ties Groups. By tracing the routes of netizens’complex communication links, I reach two conclusions. First, the Digital Stars can disperse their ideas throughout the Internet quickly, but their power to alter others’ opinions might be less than expected. Second, despite the slow speed and narrow range of information dispersion on the Internet, the Traditional Social Tie Groups are more powerful agents in the sphere of political group behaviors. According to the Korean tradition of political culture, responsibility and moral duty are more important values than freedom and political rights. I suggest putting more stress on educational approaches to help raise responsible netizens by promoting the values of "cyber-citizenship." Korean society should pay more attention to keeping a balance between knowledge, attitudes, and practice in cyberspace.