Instagram DM... Personal Messaging Feature Between Accounts
Concerns Over Crime Exposure Through DM
Dating culture through social networking services (SNS) such as Instagram is spreading mainly among young people. While SNS can serve as an opportunity for new encounters, caution is necessary as crimes using these platforms are rampant.
Recently, a screenshot of an Instagram direct message (DM) sent by a person using actor Jung Woo-sung's SNS account was posted on multiple online communities, sparking controversy. Suspicion is growing that Jung Woo-sung, who has been at the center of the non-marital childbirth issue, may have sent SNS flirting messages to several ordinary women in the past.
Posts claiming to have received Instagram direct messages from actor Jung Woo-sung have been uploaded on multiple online communities. Screenshot from online community, Yonhap News.
Looking at the disclosed conversation, the sender using Jung Woo-sung's official account initiated a conversation with a woman. The sender greeted first, saying "Nice job," and the other party expressed doubt, asking, "Jung Woo-sung, you haven’t been hacked, right?" In response, the sender of the Jung Woo-sung account replied, "I happened to see your feed and thought you were someone who enjoys and is good at flirting, so I held back and just said hello," and later asked, "May I share my number? Let's greet each other via KakaoTalk or text message," sharing contact information.
Another DM screenshot was also shared, where the sender of the Jung Woo-sung account tried to start conversations with women by sending messages like "You’re bad," and "I’m angry." The shared photos show a blue checkmark verifying it as Jung Woo-sung’s official account. However, Jung Woo-sung’s agency stated that since it is a private matter, it is difficult to confirm whether Jung Woo-sung personally wrote the DMs.
Instagram, the MZ Generation's 'One Pick'... Beware of Crime Exposure
SNS flirting, which involves expressing interest in others online, is not uncommon among the MZ generation. This is because Instagram’s DM allows contact with an unspecified number of people. DM is a messaging feature within Instagram that enables users to exchange texts, photos, reels, and posts privately without sharing personal information such as phone numbers.
In fact, among those under 30, Instagram is the most preferred SNS application. According to a sample survey of Korean smartphone users (Android + iOS) conducted by app and retail analysis services WiseApp, Retail, and Goods, as of last August, Instagram ranked highest in SNS usage by generation: under 20 (3.93 million), 20s (6.97 million), and 30s (5.71 million).
The problem is that anyone can contact users through Instagram DM. There are concerns that teenagers can be easily exposed to crimes. There is worry that minors can be lured via SNS and become targets of crime.
In response, four countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have launched 'Teen Accounts' to ensure the safety of teenage users. DMs can only be received from followers or people already connected, and Instagram accounts of users under 18 are uniformly switched to 'private.' South Korea plans to introduce this system starting next year.
Romance Scam Crimes via SNS Also on the Rise
Adults can also be exposed to crimes through SNS. Since 'Romance Scam,' where money is extorted under the pretense of a romantic relationship on SNS such as Instagram, is rampant, caution is necessary.
After building rapport on SNS, scammers approach victims by impersonating deployed soldiers or international students, asking to borrow money or extorting funds under the pretext of investment. Organized romance scam crimes using SNS are also widespread. On the 19th, nine leaders of an international romance scam fraud ring were arrested in South Korea.
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