A Study on Adolescents' Careless Internet Usage Behaviors

This study focuses on the lack of awareness and the careless behavior of adolescents when using the internet, despite the high possibility of being involved in crimes, such as the exposure of personal information. The study utilized secondary data from research conducted by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and the Korean Council of Children's Organizations as part of the Child Rights Monitoring Project. It examined factors influencing careless behavior by categorizing them into adolescents' personal characteristics, behavioral characteristics related to internet use, and cognitive characteristics regarding cyberbullying. The analysis found that while the level of carelessness among adolescents on the internet was relatively low, repeated careless behavior could lead to desensitization, potentially resulting in greater negligence. Adolescents, in particular, can easily access a wide variety of content on the internet, and this repeated carelessness can diminish their perception of risk, eventually escalating to more serious risky behaviors. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers the characteristics and culture of adolescence, as well as the complexity and diversity of internet use, is continuously required. Related research is expected to be a crucial starting point for promoting healthy internet use among adolescents and, furthermore, for establishing a positive and safe internet culture.