Online Ethics: Social Contracts in the Virtual Community

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Abstract
Our ability to communicate with each other through computer terminals is rapidly changing the way we interact as individuals, the way information is transmitted, and the way records are kept. While adding an exciting new dimension of human interaction, the increasing use of digital communication challenges our traditional reliance on print media as stable, trustworthy methods of communication and documentation, while also raising questions of privacy and trust. Evolving standards for online communication can be classified into six categories: individual courtesies, economy of time and space, honesty and integrity, accuracy of documentation, protection of privacy, and protection of vulnerable populations. Violations of accepted standards, whether by oversight or deliberate act, require that we increase our awareness of the harm that can sometimes accompany online communication and that we develop appropriate sanctions where necessary. We must constantly review and refine these standards in the search for a balance between freedom of expression and the common good.