It seems the debate over Internet ethics is focused on freedom of expression versus protecting the community from vulgar and anti-social behaviour. I believe it is a person’s right to publish and view content, even if I dislike their interests. However, I also believe it’s imperative for the law to intervene when unsavoury content exploits innocent, unconsenting people – especially children. iDave 2.0 (2011) presented a similar view and I think his post regarding this issue is well worth reading.
Hamelink (2006) noted that the speed of digital communication has made it possible for people to commit immoral acts so quickly that no one notices (p 118). This immediacy makes it difficult for the legislature and courts to keep up. Thankfully, one case was noticed and a man was jailed for posting child pornography on pages dedicated to the memories of two children.
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| Facebook tribute page of Elliot Fletcher. It was one of the pages defaced early last year. Image source: http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/02/16/elliott_fletcher_facebook_160210_fct502x309x120x2_t325.jpg |
Leong (2011) questioned if online ethics was a matter of balancing social media’s immediacy with an appreciation of the potentially devastating effects. In this case, it appears there was no balancing act and that the immediacy of social media allowed the offender to make a premeditated attack on grieving families. Such offenders should not push us offline, but strengthen our resolve to pursue a friendlier online community.
Reference List
Hamelink, Cees J. 2006. “The ethics of the internet: Can we cope with lies and deceit on the net?” In Ideologies of the internet, edited by Katharine Sarikakis and Daya K Thussu, 115-130. New Jersey: Hampton Press Inc. Accessed March 21, 2011. https://cmd.library.qut.edu.au/KCB206/KCB206_BK_313947.pdf
iDave 2.0. 2011. “Week 4 entry,” KCB206 Blog – Ramblings on New Media. Accessed March 28, 2011. http://n6333869.blogspot.com/
Leong, Susan. 2011. KCB206 New Media: Internet, Self & Beyond: Week 4 Lecture Notes. Accessed March 28, 2011. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au
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