Cyworld

Article summary

Cyworld ( ) is a South Korean social network service. Cyworld was originally part of SK communication, and became an independent company in 2014. Members cultivate relationships by forming Ilchon ( , Hanja: 一寸 ) or "friendships" with each other through their minihompy. Avatars and "mini-rooms" (small, decoratable, apartment-like spaces in an isometric projection) are features of the service, which can make for a Sims-like experience. The "Cy" in Cyworld can mean "cyber", but is also a pun on the Korean word for "relationship" ( 'between'). Cyworld is a rough equivalent to Myspace of the United States, with the main difference being that revenue is generated through the sale of dotori ( ), or acorns, which can be used to purchase virtual goods, such as background music, pixelated furniture, and virtual appliances. Cyworld also has operations in China and Vietnam.

Key claims

1. date of establishment: 2005 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
2. members: 450,000 members — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
3. population: 25 percent — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
4. population: 70 percent — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. The record states that the date of establishment is "2005". What evidence would count against this claim?
3. The record states that the members is "450,000 members". What evidence would count against this claim?
4. The record states that the population is "25 percent". What evidence would count against this claim?
5. The record states that the population is "70 percent". What evidence would count against this claim?
6. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
7. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1376125399