Definition of ethics for the information age
Information technology has been bombarded with several issues related to ethics. Ethical issues arise when one tries to achieve its goal someone behaves such that the behavior will affect the ability of other to achieve their goals.
The definition for ethics for the computer age must be based on the definition of computer ethics. Computer ethics is a relatively new field of ethics that is first given definition by Walter Maner, His definition is “one that studies ethical problems aggravated, transformed or created by computer technology”. (Bynum, 2011) A closely related and an expansion theory the computer ethics is called information ethics which was introduced by Luciano Floridi. According to him, the scope of computer ethics must be extended such that the intention, behaviors and characters of humans will not be the only concern by as well as everything that can be a source of information. (Bynum, 2011) Several other philosophers have given their own definitions of these concepts but having almost the same idea. Take for example, Deborah Johnson’s definition of computer ethics as an avenue for computers to bring out new issues with regards to moral problems and dilemmas leading to the revisit of old problems reviewing them and applying common norms. (What is Computer Ethics) These definitions all pertains to the acceptable usage or moral usage of such technology and all that comes with it.
Since information age is made possible because of the existence of computers and the things that are made possible especially information sharing through its uses, ethics for the information age must be relevant to it. It can be that it is how computers and technology per se are ethically used for the creation, distribution, utilization and presentation of information by the members of the society.
Importance of laws in policing the internet
Society and the internet
With the numerous advancements and business paradigm changes brought about by the internet, definitely, the society has benefited from it. I can’t really imagine the world today without the internet. Although, the internet has been blamed for several negative changes in our society, we cannot the fact that, it has also given us positive effects, thus I stand to say it has given greater good rather than evil.
Basically, the internets’ one big impact to society is the ease of communication, giving the capability for people to be “within reach” of each other. It is one of the most effective means of communications using social media, instant messages or emails. Families across the world are kept updated with each at an instant and even are able to see each other unlike before when they rely on snail mail as their communication scheme. Numerous social networking and blogging sites have paved way for all walks of life to express the view on issues. Likewise, the internet has also gave offices tools for collaboration thereby improving communication leading to better outputs. (Abidin et. al., 2011)
Access to information is likewise improved. With just one click, one can get updated of the most recent news wherever in the world. With just one click, you get access to new technologies. This has paved way to global equalization as access to new technologies is very easy. Unlike before when only the privilege few can get access.
Access to education has also improved as new ways of learning emerge with the aid of technology. People who are deprived of education because of their location or physical difficulties attending regular schools don’t need to bother anymore. With just one click and with the right technological gadgets, you can get your diplomas anytime, at any school of your choice.
Business paradigms likewise changed due to the impact of the internet. E-commerce has become the trend for people. More and more people are getting engaged in e-business which has proven to be convenient way for people to get access to their needs. For example, a student in the Iran can just visit amazon.com to get access to a book not available in his country. People have increased choices because industries have suddenly become available to everyone. Competition among businesses likewise increased thus services also improved.
The healthcare industry also has realized its benefits from the internet. Telemedicine has become one of the biggest impacts of the internet to the society. People can get readily available health issues and can even get second opinion of doctors for free from the web, although, the right correct website to get info must be observed. (Kedem, 1999)
The benefits of the internet to society still outweigh its negative effects. With proper guidance, training and implementation of applicable laws, its negative effects could be corrected.
References:
Abidin et.al (2011). The Impact of Young Adults’ Lifestyles in Preference and Belief towards Communication Media. Retrieved from http://www.universitypress.org.uk/journals/cc/17-313.pdf
Bynum, Terrell, "Computer and Information Ethics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2011/entries/ethics-computer/
“Impact of Internet on Society”. Online Science Journal. Retrieved from http://onlinesciencejournal.org/impact-internet-society
Hendricks, Drew (2013). The Recent Attempts to Police the Internet. Retrieved from http://freakoutnation.com/2013/04/09/the-recent-attempts-to-police-the-internet/
Kedem, Carmella (1999). The Social Impact on Internet on our Society. Retrieved from www2.math.umd.edu/~bnk//CAR/project.htm
Mackinnon, Rebecca (2012). The Rise of Europe’s Private Internet Police. Retrieved from http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/05/16/the_rise_of_europe_s_private_internet_police
Mirsky, Ian (2009). Community Oriented Policing. Retrieved from http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Mirsky_Community_Oriented_Policing.pdf
Mason, Richard (1995). Applying Ethics to Information Technology Issues. In Communications of the ACM. December 1995/Vol. 38, No. 12. Retrieved from http://cpe.njit.edu/dlnotes/login/CIS/CIS350/Applyingethicstoinformationtechnologyissues.pdf
Roberts, David (2011). Technology’s Impact on Law Enforcement – Community Interaction. Retrieved from http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=2317&issue_id=22011
Smith, Dana (2013). We are Working on Laws to Police Internet. Tribune 242. Retrieved from http://www.tribune242.com/news/2013/apr/19/we-are-working-on-laws-to-police-internet/?news
“What is Computer Ethics”. Blackwell Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9781855548442/CEAC01.pdf
