"Stay Home a Bit" vs "Invasion of Privacy": Social Distancing and Public Mockery Controversy

A Heated Debate Among Netizens Over 'Social Distancing' on SNS

A post criticizing people who do not comply with the government's 'social distancing' amid ongoing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Photo by Instagram post capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] "Isn't it too harsh to say 'You need to catch COVID-19 to come to your senses' just because someone posted a photo of going out on SNS?"

As people publicly criticize those who do not practice social distancing on social networks (SNS) such as Instagram, conflicts surrounding this issue continue.

Opinions are divided between those who believe public criticism must be endured to raise awareness about the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and those who argue that such interference is excessive and infringes on personal privacy. Experts point out that this anger stems from a kind of anxiety caused by concerns over the spread of the epidemic and warn that if it continues, it could lead to hatred.

Recently, more people have been posting outdoor activity photos on Instagram with the hashtag '#socialdistancingfailure'. Although social distancing is necessary due to concerns about COVID-19 infection, these posts acknowledge their failure to fully comply with the health authorities' requests, such as refraining from spring flower viewing.

Some have publicly criticized these people, saying the epidemic could spread. One netizen commented on an account that posted cherry blossom viewing photos, saying, "Isn't it a bit dangerous to tag '#socialdistancingfailure' in the current situation?" and added, "Please understand that public officials and medical staff are working overnight and making efforts."

Another netizen commented, "Please don't act like you only live for today," and "If you want to catch COVID-19, catch it alone and don't blame others."

Yet another netizen directly used the 'social distancing failure hashtag' and strongly criticized those who went outdoors, saying, "Don't use such tags and stay at home."

They added, "These selfish people who only think of themselves don't consider the hard work of the government, medical staff, and public officials," and asked, "Are you out of your mind?"

A post uploaded on the 20th to an anonymous community of a university. Photo by Facebook capture

On the 20th, a post appeared on a university community board about a conflict with an acquaintance over social distancing. The author of the post expressed frustration, saying they were unfairly criticized for posting photos on SNS in a situation where social distancing was impossible.

The author said, "While doing an internship, I posted photos taken during commuting hours, and someone wrote a targeted post after seeing them," adding, "The targeted post included comments like 'You have cyber lectures but still wander around,' 'You're a nuisance,' 'You have nothing in your head,' and 'Your whole family should catch (COVID-19) and die to come to your senses.'"

They continued, "I also want to practice social distancing by attending cyber lectures at home. I want to avoid it because I know how painful and difficult pneumonia is, having had it when I was young," but expressed frustration, saying, "But what can I do if the situation doesn't allow it?"

People visiting Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The photo was taken on the afternoon of the 11th of last month. Photo by Yeonju Kim, intern reporter yeonju1853@asiae.co.kr

As this situation continued, some netizens responded sharply, saying, "What does it matter to you?" and "The criticism is excessive."

Office worker Kang (29) said, "I posted a photo taken at a restaurant as usual. I briefly took off my mask when taking the photo, and a comment said, 'Please wear your mask properly.' I don't think I should have to explain everything, but people seem too sensitive."

Kang argued, "Practicing social distancing is a personal choice, so is there a need to overreact to a single photo without knowing the situation well?" and "I don't think people should have to worry about others' opinions just because they post photos taken in daily life."

University student Kim (25) said, "These days, there seem to be groups that find and criticize photos taken outdoors," adding, "I agree with the call to participate in social distancing, but I think excessive criticism is wrong."

An expert explained that the anxiety that COVID-19 will not end is the cause of the anger expression.

Professor Kwak Geum-ju of the Department of Psychology at Seoul National University said, "As COVID-19 spreads, it has become difficult to trust others. In a situation where suspicion of others is at its peak, the anxiety that COVID-19 will spread further due to people not practicing social distancing is a factor in expressing anger."

She added, "This kind of anger can easily lead to hatred," and "In a serious situation where everyone is exhausted from COVID-19, there is a risk that it could escalate into polarization."

Meanwhile, the government continues to urge social distancing. On the 19th, Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, said, "Many acquaintances send me messages saying, 'I went to Gangnam Station yesterday, and there were too many people.' From the public's perspective, social distancing is difficult and has become lax," and appealed, "There are still about 2,300 people receiving isolation treatment. Please remember the faces of medical staff caring for patients today, with mask marks clearly visible on their faces in the medical field."