Information technology has created a digital culture online and some negative aspects, such as Internet addiction and cyber bullying, should be dealt with professionally, said experts at the 2011 Digital Culture Conference organized by the Public Administration Ministry on Thursday.

“Digital culture will be a barometer for civility and dignity in cyberspace and a foundation for social development in the future,” said Kim Nam-seok, public administration vice minister, at the conference.

The international conference was held so domestic and international experts and government officials could share experiences in information technology and the latest trends in the industry.

Kimberly Young, a professor at St. Bonaventure and well-known expert on Internet addiction and online behavior, discussed effective ways to use the Internet without falling into addiction in her keynote speech.

Min Byoung-chul, president of a nationwide drive to spread positive online comments and a goodwill ambassador on digital culture for the ministry, introduced his efforts to encourage positive online communication and how to protect Internet users from cyber bullying.

The former policy advisor for the U.S. National Council on Disability, Kang Young-woo, who helped close the information divide for the disabled in the U.S., talked about his life as a visually impaired man who earned a Ph.D. and worked for the disabled as the vice chair of the World Committee on Disability.

“The Korean government plans to invest 24 billion won ($21 million) in a favorable and friendly digital culture next year and begin projects to tackle Internet addiction, improve online accessibility for the underprivileged and design IT education for those with different needs,” said Vice Minister Kim.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)