The Internet, whilst bringing a number of benefits to society has also raised a number of moral, social and ethical issues. Outlined below are some of the effects they are having on society.

Candidates should show an awareness and understanding of:

• censorship
• accuracy of information
• privacy
• effects upon communities
• ownership and control

Examples you could include are:-

• accuracy of information – if it is on the Net people believe it to be true. The lack of ‘policing’ of the Internet also means that the information is not checked to make sure that it is accurate. It is therefore up to the users of the Internet to check the material’s accuracy. When you are using information off the Internet you need to be able to check the material for its suitability and accuracy. Deliberately setting up websitescontaining incorrect information – people may rely on and use this information thinking it is correct.

• ownership and control / intellectual property rights – who owns the information. The Internet is for everybody and no one actually owns it. There is little control over the content of the material on the Internet, although some governments have started to control what can be seen.

• plagiarism copying material without attributing or referencing the source of the information. This could also involve using websites which sell essays or coursework.(e.g. buying exam answers)

• lack of social interaction – people don’t go out and talk to other people

• monitoring staff - Companies monitoring staff use of the Internet and e-mail. Some organisations will even read personal e-mails.

• Using someone’s wireless Internet connection without permission.Sometimes it is possible to connect to the Internet using an open network. The net result of using the network is to slow the network down for legitimate users.

• Mobile phone stalking

• Using photo editing software to distort reality – by using photo/video editing software you can distort reality and you can no longer believe what you see in video, TV, newspapers, magazines and on websites.

• Privacy issues – social networking sites, e-commerce sites, Internet service provider records, e-mail monitoring at work, etc., all erode a user’s privacy. Further privacy issues arise when people can look at photos etc, which are meant to be for family only, etc.

• gaming addiction – led to a big increase in addicts – online poker. Gambling can cause many social problems and it is on the rise with the ease with which bets can be made using the Internet.

• Spreading rumours – it is easy to spread rumours using the Internet. You only have to tell a few people in a chat room and the rumour will soon spread. Normally, if someone started a rumour that was untrue and it caused another person distress, then the person starting the rumour could be sued. When rumours are started over the Internet it is difficult to identify the person responsible.

• Sending spam (i.e., the same advertising e-mail to millions of people) – people waste time deleting spam if the spam filter allows it through.

• Using e-mail to give bad news (e.g. redundancy, demotion, firing, etc.) when explaining faceto- face would have been better.

• Electronic bullying – pupils sending nasty emails to each other, etc. Can take place in chat rooms, by e-mail, in blogs, by text message is a problem especially for the

young.

• bad/inappropriate websites / inappropriate content (suicide, racism, pornography,grooming). There is also no control over the people who can access the material on the Internet. This means that unless special software is used, children can easily gain access to pornographic or violent images. There are a lot of pornographic images/videos on the Internet. There are laws covering the production and distribution of this material but as much of this material comes from other countries, where the material is perfectly legal, there is not much that can be done to stop it.The main worry adults have is that young children could accidentally access this material. Even with a software filter it is hard to be completely sure material is excluded. If a site is banned it could make it more popular. People are able to view inappropriate material such as pornography, racism, violent videos, how to make explosives, etc.

• Censorship-Invasion of privacy by governments, for example in Burma, China.

• Digital Divide - Difference between those who have Internet access etc and those who do not

• Closing down of local stores - Effects local communities

Further Information

BANNING WEBSITES - Recently the government urged internet service providers to ban websites which promote illegal activities.

PARENTAL CONCERNS - Many parents are concerned with the lack of control over the Internet.

The Internet can be a useful resource for students researching information for homework. Many young people also use the Internet to access chat rooms or download music.