Computer ethics
Computer ethicsThe computer is considered one of the most technological advances of the twentieth century. As the general public becomes increasingly �computer literate,' the gap between technology and peoples' intellect notably shrinks. The readily available computers, software, and assorted output devices have enlightened many but, in turn, have increased the using of computers for unethical activities, privacy invasion and illegal purposes. Legal sanctions against abusive use of computers are a reactive approach. A proactive approach is to teach students about computer ethics in classrooms. Effective teaching methods are the presentation of ethical scenarios. It is anticipated that through this method, students will personalize the need for developing ethical standards of behavior. The ultimate goal is for students, if necessary, to change their set of personal beliefs to include ethics. The computer is considered one of the most important technological advances of the twentieth century. Security and privacy issues have been in existence long before the computer became a vital component of organizations' operations. Nevertheless, the operating features of a computer make it a dangerous tool. Computer technologies with reliable error detection and recording capabilities, permit the invasion of a supposedly secure environment to occur on a grand scale and go undetected withought any suspicion . Furthermore, computer and communications technology permits the invasion of a persons' privacy. Two forces threaten privacy: one, the growth of information technology with its enhanced capacity for surveillance, communication, computation, storage and retrieval and two, the more dangerous threat, the increased value of information in decision making. Information has become more vital in the competitive environment, thus, decision makers want it even if it violates somebody else's privacy. Violation of ones personal privacy, via computers may in part be due to the unclear understanding of responsibility on the part of those involved. Is it a management or a technical concern? Ethical standards that evolved over the history of civilization deal with interpersonal relationships. What is right or wrong? What one should do and not do when dealing with other people. Ethical behavior in a business environment has not been as clearly defined. When businesses were small and owned by only a few individuals, traditional ethical standards were applied to meet different situations. However, as businesses became larger, the ethical relations did not provide any clear behavioral guidelines. Likewise, the principles of ethical relationships were even less relative to the corporate environments. Recently, there has been an increased interest in ethical standards for computer professionals. This concern is heightened by the current focus on the �people side' of computer security. Is it a violation of copyright laws to copy software? Is this as serious as �stealing' data or illegally infiltrating and viewing data in a computer database? As the general public becomes increasingly �computer literate', the gap between technology and people's intellect noticeably shrinks. Computer systems are no longer composed of one large, simple, straightforward batch-oriented computer. They are now integrated real-time currently available computers, software, and assorted output devices that have enlightened...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.