Computer Ethics

1
Computer Ethics

• Appropriate Use
• "Does this use of the technology have an
  educational or personal value and is it in
  keeping with the rules of my family, my school
  and my government?"

2
Scenario 1

• Just for fun, fourteen-year-old Alice tells the
  other people on her electronic mailing list that
  she is twenty years old and a nursing student.
  Others on the list have begun emailing her
  health-related questions.
• What is the inappropriate action?
• Who committed it?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical
  action cause?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

3
Scenario 2

• The computers in the library always seem to be
  busy. Otis tells the librarian he is working on a
  research project, but actually uses the computer
  to access the latest soccer scores posted on the
  Internet.
• What is the inappropriate action?
• Who committed it?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical
  action cause?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

4
Scenario 3

• Just for fun, Nellie sets the print command on
  her computer to print 50 copies of an electronic
  encyclopedia article she's been reading, and then
  walks away.
• What is the inappropriate action?
• Who committed it?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical
  action cause?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

5
Discussion

• Can the personal use of a technology resource
  owned by a school or business ever be
  appropriate? Under what circumstances?
• Should a student be allowed to use the school
  networks and email to run for a school office?
• What is the definition of "pornographic?" How
  would you define "hate group?" Are there ever
  times when a pornographic or hate group site
  could be viewed as appropriate?
• How does electronic vandalism or waste of public
  property harm the individual citizen?
• Should schools and/or homes install Internet
  filters?