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From sharing embarrassing photos of friends to impersonating a teacher online, young people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens. Using anonymity to avoid face-to-face contact, misrepresenting oneself on a social network, and even participating in libelous or fraudulent activities are increasingly common practices of teens in social network situations.
Both the insecurities and rebellious nature of young people are accentuated online. Although students have the right to free speech and expression, they are also ethically and legally responsible for their online actions. For instance, some young people use social networks to threaten, harass, or embarrass other students. Known as cyberbullying, this type of activity can rise to the level of a misdemeanor charge.
Freedom of expression provides the foundation for some of our most important human rights, including freedoms of speech, press, and association. The introduction of social technologies has expanded opportunities for the free flow of information. With these freedoms and technologies, however, come responsibilities of protecting individual privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property. When our freedoms or responsibilities conflict with our values, ethical dilemmas emerge.
Ethical Use of Social Technology
From sharing embarrassing photos of friends to impersonating a teacher online, young people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens. Using anonymity to avoid faceto-face contact, misrepresenting oneself on a social network, and even participating in libelous or fraudulent activities are increasingly common practices of teens in social network situations.
A recent study found that more than half of teens post false information in online profiles (Lenhart and Madden 2OO7X The Associated Press-MTV survey on digital abuse (Knowledge Networks 2OO 9) polled young adults about their Internet use. More than three-quarters of respondents indicated that digital abuse such as harassing, impersonating, or embarrassing others online is a serious problem, and 34 percent felt that digital abuse affects them personally.
Children and young adults go through several stages of moral development as they become more self-aware. While some researchers believe that individuals have a single, environmentalindependent moral character, others believe that a person's actions are situational and influenced by contextual factors rather than internal traits. Regardless of the psychology, it's clear that young people need guidance in their development as digital citizens.
The AAS...