Kia Boys

The internet has given rise to a disturbing trend among teenagers, known as the "Kia Boys," who are stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles in large numbers. This phenomenon has become a meme, with videos of these thefts being shared on social media platforms like TikTok, often set to music glorifying the act. The ease of stealing these cars, due to their vulnerabilities, has made them a target. The trend has led to a $200 million settlement between Kia and Hyundai and highlights the dangers of security vulnerabilities becoming memes and causing significant problems. It's a reminder that the internet can amplify both positive and negative trends, and it's essential to be aware of the potential consequences.

The discussion revolves around the concept of a security vulnerability going viral and the consequences it brings, specifically focusing on the case of Kia and Hyundai cars being stolen in large numbers due to a trend fueled by social media. The numbers show a significant increase in car thefts of these brands between 2019 and 2021. The trend was driven by a hit song and TikTok videos, leading to cars being stolen not for resale but for clout and social media content. This case highlights the power of virality and how it can amplify actions, both positive and negative, and the importance of understanding the motivations behind such behaviors.

The recent trend of car theft, particularly involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles, can be attributed to the lack of immobilizer systems in these cars in the United States. The popularity of these brands in car theft-related content on social media platforms like TikTok has contributed to the spike in thefts, but the primary reason is the absence of immobilizers, which are standard in Canada and most other countries since 2007. Immobilizers are electronic security devices that prevent a car from starting unless the corresponding smart key is present. While there are ways to bypass immobilizers, it requires advanced planning and equipment. The lack of this security feature in many Kia and Hyundai models makes them an easier target for thieves in the US.

Between 2011 and 2013, some Korean car brands, specifically Hyundai and Kia, sold cars in the U.S. without immobilizers, while the same models sold in other countries came with them. This cost-cutting measure left these cars vulnerable to hot-wiring due to a design flaw. A standard USB cable could be used to start these cars, making thefts easy and viral. This coincided with the rise of social media and the emergence of "Kia boys," a loosely defined online community that engaged in car thefts as a form of extreme meme or prankster culture. This episode highlights the risks of cost-cutting measures and the potential consequences of design flaws in automobiles. It also underscores the power of social media in amplifying trends and behaviors.

The "Kia Boys" trend on TikTok, which involves stealing Kias for joyrides and filming it, is causing significant concerns in Milwaukee and surrounding areas due to the increased risk of accidents and potential harm to innocent people. The thrill of the "victory lap" can lead to a chain reaction of stolen cars, crashes, and financial losses for car owners. The trend, inspired by past teenage behaviors and popularized on social media, can have serious consequences beyond the initial joyride. The risk factors are heightened due to the inexperience and lack of driving skills of many teenagers involved. The documentary "Kia Boys" by Donut Media provides a glimpse into this phenomenon, reminding us that the impact of stolen car joyrides extends far beyond the thrill of the moment, often causing significant financial and emotional harm to individuals and their communities.

The summer of 2022 saw a surge in dangerous stunts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles, particularly the red Kia model, being filmed and shared on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. One such video featuring a driver named Markel Hughes went viral, leading to his identification and arrest for reckless driving. Hughes, who was 17 at the time of the incident, faced felony charges and potential jail time. Tragically, Hughes' case was not an isolated incident. In October 2021, a crash involving a stolen Kia Sportage resulted in the deaths of four teenagers. These incidents highlight the real-life consequences of dangerous driving and the potential for social media to amplify such behavior.

Social media platforms like TikTok face the challenging task of content moderation, which involves filtering out inappropriate content and dealing with the psychological impact on moderators. The situation is complicated by the increasing trend of pranksters and petty criminals using the platform for impressions. The Center for Internet Security can help businesses meet their security and compliance requirements in the face of cyber threats and regulations, while Lipson Ads offers podcast advertising to reach targeted audiences. The discussion also touched upon the dark realities of content moderation, where moderators are exposed to extreme content, and the importance of community-driven consensus processes in developing security best practices.

Companies like TikTok are grappling with the responsibility of moderating user-generated content while maintaining a neutral stance. They create community guidelines to help make decisions on content removal, but the application of these guidelines can be complex. For instance, a video showing how to steal a Kia could be taken down due to its violation of community guidelines, but a similar video warning Kia owners about potential thefts might be permitted. The challenge lies in determining the intent behind the content and the potential harm it may cause. TikTok, with its vast user base and financial reliance on advertisers, faces a moral quandary in deciding what content to allow or remove. The incident involving the deadly car crashes linked to a TikTok challenge underscores the importance of clear community guidelines and effective moderation. However, it also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between tech companies, regulators, and society to navigate these complex issues.

Despite the potential educational value of discussing vehicle security vulnerabilities, the content may not pass community guidelines, especially if it encourages illegal activities. The discussion also highlighted the complex situation of content moderation versus creative freedom on social media platforms. Moreover, car companies' decisions to save costs by not installing immobilizers in their vehicles have led to lawsuits, with some cities filing class actions against Kia and Hyundai for selling "unsafe" vehicles. The car companies' stance seems to be that they don't have to install immobilizers due to regulations, but the ongoing lawsuits suggest otherwise. The debate echoes the ongoing conflict between ethical and moral dilemmas in the digital age, where companies are left to decide what is right and wrong in the absence of clear rules.

Hyundai and Kia Motor Corp have agreed to a $200 million settlement for a class action lawsuit regarding increasing car thefts, particularly in vehicles without anti-theft immobilizers. The settlement covers around 9 million US owners and includes compensation for theft-related losses, damages, insurance deductibles, and premiums. The issue gained attention due to TikTok videos showing methods to steal cars without immobilizers, leading to at least 14 crashes and 8 fatalities. The conversation also touched on the lack of steering wheel locks in Canada and the possibility of legislation being the reason. The discussion ended with a reflection on the reasons behind teenage rebellion and the importance of addressing racial segregation and housing discrimination in cities like Milwaukee, which contributes to this issue.

Societal segregation and lack of opportunities for certain populations can lead to the formation of subcultures among young people as a form of rebellion against their low standing and institutional structures. This phenomenon, observed by sociologists like Albert Cohen and Paul Belair, has been present throughout history and may manifest differently based on the specific context and available technologies. Whether it's about stealing cars or creating Internet dances, these subcultures may persist as long as the larger culture that surrounds them continues to segregate and exclude certain populations. The role of algorithms and social media platforms in shaping these subcultures is an important consideration in this discussion. Ultimately, addressing the root causes of segregation and lack of opportunities may be the most effective way to prevent the formation of harmful subcultures and promote positive social change.