Computer ethics is a concept that is gaining more and more relevance, especially in moments in which technologies go and technologies come to be part of our lives, at such speed, that it is very easy to ignore that these changes can affect behavior of societies.
These changes, although they are generally clothed in the undeniable benefits that the era of mass computing brings with it, can sometimes also be the cause of certain deviations behavior in some individuals or groups of them.
With this article, which we are sure will help you have a better understanding of the subject, We believe we put our grain of sand on a topic that is becoming more topical every day, something that you also do when do not miss any detail of our delivery today.
What is computer science ethics and what does this branch of technological philosophy focus on?
Whenever we talk about ethics, we are referring to a set of rules, some of them unwritten, which serve to measure morality in human behavior, be it individually or collectively.
In the present case, it is already widely accepted that computer ethics is a discipline which is limited to analysis of ethical problems that has created computer technology, always taking into account the transformations and / or aggravation of said problems by people who make use of the aforementioned technology.
Having said the above, you should already be clear that this is a type of applied ethics, focused on understanding and understanding the undeniable impact of the use of information technology on the human values of today’s society. These values, especially in what has to do with morality, must be cared for as a common good, beyond boundaries that separate right from wrong are marked by often imperceptible lines.
History and origin How was the concept of computer ethics born and how has it been developed?
Although, as we have already said, in these times is when the issue of computer ethics becomes more important given the mass use of computers, you should know that already since the late 40s of the century past some scholars began to show their concerns in relation to it.
However, it is not until mid 70’s when an intense debate on such problems is opened, putting on the table different visions that have made it possible for computer ethics to be considered a new form of applied ethics. The latter occurs, mainly, taking into account that many of the problems studied by computer ethics would not have arisen without the appearance of computers. We have an example of this in relation to the software ownership.
However, we should not overlook some opinions who argue that these are the same ethical problems that affect the practice of any profession, only this time they must be seen differently, and in spheres and proportions that had not been studied previously.
Over time, the implementation of ethics in the field of informatics has been reaching a remarkable development, to the point that now professionals in the area They have tools such as the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of Software Engineering, which is a mandatory study guide for those who are willing to be part of this area of undeniable social value.
If this is your case, from now on we make you see how important it is internalize each of the eight sections covered by said Code, with which you will be equipping yourself with the best way to be part of a profession that is more necessary and respected every day. But that’s not all, since as a common user you are also invited to get involved in improving the subject, something you can do by putting into practice the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics.
Objectives of computer ethics What is sought to improve in the current Internet?
Being the Information and Communications Technology one of the fields of action under study When talking about computer ethics, it is necessary to put the Internet in the center of focus when it comes to achieving a complete and better implementation of the ethical sense in the use of the network of networks. If we see the above as a goal, we must understand the reasons why every day there are greater efforts to ensure that the Internet is seen as a vehicle to achieve equality in all senses.
That is why, from the point of view of computer ethics, it is necessary to involve a greater number of people and organizations every day in the dissemination of campaigns that promote human development, within which is included the multiplication of educational and cultural content.
Another important aspect is to obtain commitment from parents and teachers, this in the sense of teaching children from an early age, the full understanding of how important it is to observe the rules of ethics when browsing from any device.
Main problems of digital ethics What are they and how to combat them?
When we know the main problems facing the field of digital ethics, we are in a better position to understand the problem.
That is why we present some of them below, trusting that they will help you to become aware and participate in solving them:
Ethics on the Internet
The overcrowding has brought with it a series of benefits that are practically within everyone’s reach. However, it is easy to see that these benefits are accompanied by a series of risks and dangers associated with unethical use of the network. The number of computer crimes committed by so-called cybercriminals, as in the case of money thefts and implantation of computer viruses capable of damaging entire network systems and computer equipment.
In this topic the importance of Early education In the ethical use of information technology, it takes on special relevance, since many criminals take their first steps in the activity, taking their actions as a harmless game. Although until a few years ago this seemed to have no effective solution, today we see that thanks to the increasingly determined intervention of conglomerates of IT companies and most governments have managed to reduce its proliferation, in addition to limiting its ability to do harm.
Threats to privacy
In this case we are talking about the possibility that our emails or messages on social networks go to the wrong destination, bearing in mind that in an ethical sense it would not be due to some error in the system, but rather due to the cases in which this occurs due to the malicious participation from third parties. A good way to stay safe from this type of criminal action is avoid sharing your sensitive information with a lot of people.
Copyrights of computer programs
No one knows for sure how many computing devices make use of pirated software, which is the practice that most negatively affects software developers. This, in addition to being at odds with ethics, brings as a consequence the limitation of the resources required for investment in new developments.
To combat this type of action, which mainly hurts independent developers, it is necessary for each of us to become aware of how important it is to make sure that we are using Legally Proven Toolkits, that is, that we have paid for them.
Artificial intelligence
We must all accept that, for better or for worse, we are surrounded by Artificial Intelligence like smart robots everywhere. While in most cases this is translates into benefits In order to better function in different areas, bots sometimes become undesirable and unethical algorithms. The latter occurs mainly when used to classify people according to discriminatory criteria, for example your purchasing power. The discussion is just beginning to introduce ethical criteria in this field.
Violation of interpersonal respect
This can be one of the undesirable consequences of anonymity on the Internet. It is often used for the dissemination of unethical content on the networks, even giving rise to the practice of messages with high negative emotional charges such as bullying. In this case, apart from educating people not to carry out this type of practice clearly damaging In a moral sense, it is also necessary for service providers to take measures to eliminate or reduce this action.
Cyber debauchery
It is impressive how quickly it is possible for content related to terrorism, racism, satanic sects and worse, all of them to be in conflict with the ethical principles accepted by society, to be disseminated on the net.
Something that undoubtedly negatively affects the mental health from a large number of users worldwide. All of the above makes it necessary for all let’s be proactive, making the ethical principles of computing the same that have been governing human values progressively for hundreds of years.