Computer ethics like in newspapers or TV news are important to regulate the behavior of how people use these media to communicate with people or the public in general. For instance, Neher and Sandin (2007) said that “The Computer Ethics Institute, a Project of the Brookings Institution, established such a code of ethics that apply to communication technology. Being called the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics” (p. 300). In my opinion, all the commandments have a significant importance, but for me, three of them stand out from the rest.
First, we have “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people” (Neher and Sandin. 2007, p. 301). We can see in this sentence the words computer and harm. The importance of these words has a significant
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301). I consider that this code enforced the importance of how people use the information to others, intellectually speaking. For instance, the moral obligation that students have is critical in their education. We always hear and see that educational institutes have strict codes of ethics regarding on how students use others people ideas or work. The word plagiarism has become a symbol for many students, and it is usually relating to unethical behaviors that a student can demonstrate. For instance, Excelsior College has a policy that established what a student should not do such as “Copy words, phrases, sentences, assignments, exams, graphics, or images from a message posted in an Excelsior College electronic course, chat, or discussion area and make this information available outside the electronic environment in which it appeared without the author’s written permission” (Excelsior College, 2016). Along with this policy, Excelsior College has a list of disciplinary actions in the event of a student commit this unethical conduct. One of this disciplinary actions is “Bar the student from enrolling in the College or registering for a course or examination” (Electronic Use Policy, 2016). Individuals (professionals) and organization have a really hard time to build their ideas or education, so it is extremely important that institutes and organization promote a good
Technology affects all areas of society, forcing changes in a range of laws. Advances in computer technology have resulted in a new brand of cyber crimes such as computer fraud, computer hacking, email spam, pornography (especially when it relates to children) and stalking online. But it doesn’t just limit itself to computer related crimes. The new wave of digital recording devices create issues with privacy and new medical technology brings up moral issues in relation to cloning, genetic engineering and prolonging life (and also euthanasia).
Although technology has brought about countless positive changes to our society, it is solely individuals’ use or misuse of technology that is conveying this negative us of technology. The Dalai Lama states, we must use these “new knowledge and power in the most expedient and ethically responsible manner” in order to protect our society (Dalai Lama, 134). In light of this, with great power comes with great responsibility. We must set laws in order to protect our society from the evildoers that what to cause harm through the use of technology. However I don’t believe we should just set laws but each and everyone should individually ethically decipher what is accepted to put on the Internet and social networks. Similarly, in reference to Erdely, “our virtual life can take on their own momentum, rippling outward with real-life consequences we can neither predict nor control” (Erdely, 9). It’s imperative that we adhere to the Dalai Lama and use technology in a more responsible matter before we face real life consequence that Kiki faced. With this in mind, individuals like Kiki and ourselves must be held responsible to protect ourselves from cyber bullying. If we don’t take control of the outpacing growth of technology we risk losing our ethical standards. We must uphold ethical standards in order to reduce cyber crime as
The first thing observers will notice is the “readability issue” when they read George Brown College’s student code of conduct and discipline, in particular, the part of the definition of plagiarism. It is full of long and wordy sentences, which can make readers confused and disoriented. Seneca College’s academic honesty, on the contrary, has a highly ordered structure so that readers can see the flow of the rules. It is arranged in order that why the academic honesty policy has been written and what types of things might be regarded as academic honesty
In the first place, writing at any level is a challenge. It is a process that requires active thinking as well as creativity. Equally important, is the drive to understand what is necessary to inform the reader when using someone else’s work. In his findings, Gabriel begins with examples of students that committed plagiarism in colleges both unknowingly and intentionally. After exploring the opinions of writing tutors and officials in these situations, he suggests that many students fail to realize that plagiarism is a crime (Gabriel). He relies on the expert opinions of educators who deal with these situations on a daily basis. One such opinion mentioned, is that of Teresa Fishman, the director for the Center of Academic Integrity at Clemson University (Gabriel). She stated, “It’s possible to believe this information is just out there for anyone to take” (qtd. in Plagiarism Lines). This is said in reference to how easy technology has made “copying” and “pasting” of information according to Gabriel. He visits both sides of the fence, so to speak, concerning the views...
Computers; they are a part of or in millions of homes; they are an intricate part of just about every if not all successful businesses, the government, and the military. Computers have become common place in today’s society and the lives of the people who live in it. They have crossed every national, racial, cultural, educational, and financial barrier, which consequently ushered in the information age. A computer is a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data, and they come in all shapes, and sizes. They can be used for and in just about anything. As stated before, they are used in just about every aspect of modern society. They are so fundamental to modern society that it would be disastrous to society without them. As stated before, there are many areas in modern society that are run by computers. They play an intricate part of millions of homes in the world. Office workers in business, government and the military may use them to write letters, keep rosters, create budgets, find information, manage projects, communicate with workers, and so on. They are used in education, medicine, music, law enforcement, and unfortunately crime. Because computers have become such a part of the world and how it operates, there is a tremendous responsibility for those who are in control of these computers and the vital information that they carry, to manage and protect them properly. This is management and protection is vital because any loss or damage could be disastrous for the affected entity. For example, a mistake or intentional alteration of a personal credit file could affect ones ability to buy a car or home, or can lead to legal actions against the affected person until the mistake or intentional alteration has been corrected. Therefore, with the advent of computers in the information age, and all of the intentional and unintentional violations against them, comes the need to safeguard them and the information they carry with strong systems and policies of computer security.
One of the most recent examples of ethics and technology conflicts in the United States are privacy issues and how we cite, distribute and publish intellectual property on the internet. For instance, many corporations and people take advantage of the open access of the internet and the lack of legislation governing the right to post and upload information to the internet. Today, nearly every household in the United States has a computer with int...
Reynolds, G. (2012). Ethics in information technology ( 4th ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage.
Quinn, M. J. 2013. Ethics for the information age 5th edn., Pearson Education/Addison-Wesley, Upper Saddle River, N. J. .
In the early years of computers and computerized technology, computer engineers had to believe that their contribution to the development of computer technology would produce positive impacts on the people that would use it. During the infancy of computer technology, ethical issues concerning computer technology were almost nonexistent because computers back then were not as multifaceted as they are today. However, ethical issues relating to computer technology and cyber technology is undeniable in today’s society. Computer technology plays a crucial role in all aspects of our daily lives. Different forms of computer technology provide unique functionalities that allow people to perform daily activities effectively and efficiently. In modern society, we use computer and cyber technology to communicate with friends and family via social networking sites, participate in business transactions, and get current news. Different tasks require unique technological feature in computer technology to function properly. Although, unique technological features increase people’s proficiency in accomplishing various tasks, unique technological features in computer and cyber technology increase security vulnerabilities. In many cases, the security vulnerabilities in computer technology are exploited by cybercriminals to invade people’s privacy, and steal people’s identity. We know that computers have no moral compass; they cannot make moral decisions for themselves. Essentially, people make moral decisions that affect others positively or negatively depending on how they use computer technology. Some of the biggest ethical issues facing people in the computing environment include privacy concerns on the web and identity theft. Privacy concerns...
Evaluated more thoroughly, these statistics show not only a problem with student plagiarizing, but also an underlying problem of the failure to recognize it as a severe threat to the future development of today’s society. In order for society to continue to grow and prosper in technology, educators and employers alike must realize that plagiarism is indeed a genuine concern and as a result, must be dealt with in a more severe matter to encourage individualism. Often the threat of a failed grade or expulsion from a university is not enough to deter students from cheating if known instances have not been appropriately dealt with in the past. If the problem is to be mended, educators must make examples of students who plagiarize written material, so we can discontinue the trend that seems to be irresistible to today’s society.
Gould, Carol C. (ed.) (1989). The Information Web: Ethical and Social Implications of Computer Networking. (Boulder, Colorado : Westview Press).
The Internet as we know it is based upon the principles of being “free and open”. No single government, company, person, or entity known to man has complete and absolute control over the web (Google - Take Action). However, as with any medium of knowledge, there will always be those who wish to censor it, for better or worse. Censorship can be defined in many ways. In the context of the Internet, censorship may be defined as the act of suppressing or controlling the access and flow of information to achieve a means. This is a deeply ethical issue because the unrestricted flow of information can be a dangerous thing. However, it is also a philosophical issue pertaining to the concept of free speech.
Novakovic, J. (2012). Responsibility in Application of ICT as Legal, Moral and Ethical Issues. Retrieved from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.libaccess.hud.ac.uk/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6419151
1) What is critical reasoning, and how can it be applied to ethical issues involving cyber technology?
The ability to represent and process information digitally, including text, values, images, and sound, has allowed us to be more productive and to extend our intellect and understanding of life in this universe. The power of computing can improve the everyday aspect of life, both professionally and personally. Along with a variety of benefits, computers also generate a wide variety of ethical dilemmas, such as the digital divide, property rights, privacy, freedom of speech, and health-related issues associated with living a digital lifestyle.