Bato Institute of Science And Technology, Inc.
Dolho, Bato, Letyte
LIVING IN THE I.T. ERA
Name: ______________________________________________
UNIT 5: The Netiquette and The Computer
Ethics
At the end of this unit, you are expected to:
✓ Discuss the importance of being a responsible
netizen by following the rules of common
courtesy online and the informal “rules of the
road” of cyberspace
ABSTRACTION:
Being a responsible netizen, which means
engaging in responsible and courteous behavior
online, is of paramount importance in today's
digital age. The internet has become an integral
part of our lives, providing us with a platform for
communication, information sharing,
collaboration, and entertainment. Just as there are
rules and norms that govern our behavior in
physical spaces, there are also rules of common
courtesy and informal "rules of the road" in
cyberspace that help ensure a positive and
productive online environment. Here's why being a
responsible netizen matters:
1. Fosters Positive Online Communities:
Responsible netizenship contributes to the
creation and maintenance of positive online
communities. By treating others with respect
and kindness, you help build an atmosphere
where diverse opinions can be shared and
discussions can flourish without devolving
into hostility or harassment.
2. Promotes Constructive Dialogue: Engaging
in civil and respectful discussions online
encourages meaningful conversations.
When people communicate respectfully,
they are more likely to listen to differing
viewpoints, consider new ideas, and find
common ground, leading to productive
dialogue.
3. Mitigates Online Harassment and Bullying:
Responsible behavior helps combat online
harassment and bullying. Cyberbullying and
harassment have serious consequences for
individuals' mental and emotional well-
being. By adhering to respectful
communication norms, you can contribute
to a safer online environment for everyone.
4. Protects Digital Privacy: Responsible
netizenship involves respecting the privacy
of others. Sharing personal information
without consent or engaging in doxxing
(publishing private information about
individuals) can lead to serious violations of
privacy and even offline harm. Respecting
Week 6 Sept. 18-23, 2023
digital privacy safeguards individuals from
such risks.
5. Prevents the Spread of Misinformation: Being
responsible online involves verifying
information before sharing it. By promoting
fact-checking and critical thinking,
responsible netizens can help curb the
spread of misinformation, which is especially
crucial in an era where false information can
spread rapidly and have real-world
consequences.
6. Upholds Intellectual Property Rights:
Respecting copyright laws and giving credit
to creators when sharing their work online
demonstrates responsible netizenship. This
supports a culture of creativity and
innovation while discouraging plagiarism
and content theft.
7. Maintains Online Security: Following online
security practices, such as using strong
passwords, updating software regularly, and
being cautious of phishing attempts,
contributes to a safer digital environment for
everyone. Responsible netizens help reduce
the risks of cyberattacks and identity theft.
8. Sets an Example for Future Generations:
Responsible behavior online sets a positive
example for younger generations who are
growing up in a digitally connected world.
By demonstrating the importance of
empathy, respect, and ethical behavior
online, responsible netizens can help shape
the online behavior of the next generation.
9. Preserves Online Freedom: Responsible
netizenship goes hand in hand with
advocating for a free and open internet.
When individuals use the internet
responsibly, they contribute to an
environment where online freedoms can be
upheld without the need for excessive
censorship or restrictions.
10. Enhances Digital Literacy: Engaging
responsibly online involves honing skills
related to critical thinking, media literacy,
and ethical decision-making. These skills are
crucial in navigating the complexities of the
digital landscape and making informed
judgments about the content we
encounter.
In essence, being a responsible netizen is about
extending the same values of respect, empathy,
and responsibility that govern our offline
interactions to the online world. By adhering to the
rules of common courtesy and the informal "rules of
the road" of cyberspace, we can collectively
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create a healthier, more inclusive, and more
productive digital environment for everyone.
The Netiquette and The Computer Ethics
Netiquette and computer ethics are two important
concepts that guide behavior and interactions in
the digital world. They provide guidelines for how
individuals should behave online and how they
should use technology ethically and responsibly.
Let's take a closer look at each of these concepts:
Netiquette:
Netiquette, short for "network etiquette," refers to
the set of guidelines, norms, and rules for
appropriate and respectful behavior in online
interactions. Just as there are social norms and
manners that govern behavior in face-to-face
interactions, netiquette outlines how individuals
should communicate and behave when using
digital communication platforms, such as email,
social media, online forums, and chat rooms. The
goal of netiquette is to create a positive, respectful,
and productive online environment for all users. It
helps prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and the
spread of negativity in the digital space.
Here are some key principles of netiquette:
1. Respect Others: Treat others online with the
same respect and courtesy you would in
person. Avoid using offensive language,
derogatory remarks, or personal attacks.
2. Use Appropriate Language: Avoid using
excessive capital letters (which can be
interpreted as shouting) and strong
language. Use proper grammar,
punctuation, and spelling to enhance the
clarity of your messages.
3. Think Before You Post: Take a moment to
consider the tone, content, and potential
impact of your message before posting or
sending it. Remember that online
interactions can have long-lasting effects.
4. Be Clear and Concise: Communicate your
thoughts clearly and succinctly. Avoid using
excessive jargon, slang, or abbreviations
that might confuse others.
5. Respect Privacy: Avoid sharing personal
information about others without their
permission. Be cautious about sharing your
own personal information as well.
6. Stay on Topic: When participating in online
discussions or forums, stick to the topic of
conversation to keep the discussion relevant
and focused.
7. Cite Sources: When sharing information,
provide proper attribution to sources. This is
especially important when sharing content
created by others.
8. Be Patient: Online communication may not
always be immediate. Give others time to
respond and be patient in discussions,
especially when opinions differ.
9. Avoid Trolling and Flame Wars: Do not
engage in trolling (posting provocative or
offensive content to elicit strong reactions)
or flame wars (heated arguments online).
These behaviors contribute to a negative
online environment.
10. Respect Different Perspectives: Engage in
discussions with an open mind and respect
different viewpoints, even if you disagree.
Constructive dialogue encourages healthy
debates.
11. Use Emoticons Thoughtfully: Emoticons can
help convey tone in written communication,
but use them thoughtfully to avoid
misinterpretation.
12. Be Mindful of Humor: Humor doesn't always
translate well online. Be cautious with jokes
and sarcasm that could be misunderstood.
Netiquette varies slightly depending on the
platform and context. Different online communities
may have specific norms that users are expected
to follow. By adhering to the principles of
netiquette, individuals can contribute to a positive,
respectful, and enjoyable online experience for
themselves and others.
Computer Ethics:
Computer ethics is the study of ethical principles
and moral values in the context of technology and
computing. It addresses the ethical dilemmas and
challenges that arise due to the rapid
advancement of technology and its impact on
various aspects of society. Computer ethics
provides a framework for making morally sound
decisions related to technology use and
development.
Some key areas of computer ethics include:
1. Privacy: Respecting the privacy of
individuals and their personal data. This
involves considerations about data
collection, surveillance, and consent.
2. Intellectual Property: Respecting the rights of
creators and ensuring proper attribution and
compensation for their work. This includes
issues related to copyright, patents, and
plagiarism.
3. Cybersecurity: Acting responsibly to protect
systems, networks, and data from
cyberattacks and unauthorized access. This
includes not engaging in hacking or
distributing malicious software.
4. Digital Divide: Addressing the disparities in
access to technology and digital resources,
and working towards equal opportunities for
all individuals to benefit from technology.
5. Social Impact: Considering the broader
societal implications of technological
advancements, such as their effects on
employment, inequality, and cultural norms.
6. Environmental Impact: Considering the
environmental consequences of
technology use and striving for sustainable
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 practices in the design and disposal of unauthorized use of intellectual property
electronic devices. violate this commandment.
7. Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's 9. Thou shalt think about the social
actions in the digital realm, including consequences of the program you are
acknowledging and rectifying any harm writing or the system you are designing: This
caused by those actions. commandment encourages ethical
Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics consideration during the development of
The "Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics" is a software, systems, and technologies.
set of ethical guidelines created by the Computer Developers should consider the potential
Ethics Institute that outline the principles and impacts on society, privacy, and individual
responsibilities individuals should adhere to when rights.
using computers and digital technologies. These 10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways
commandments serve as a framework for ethical that ensure consideration and respect for
behavior in the realm of technology. Here are the your fellow humans: The final
ten commandments: commandment reminds individuals to
1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other prioritize empathy, respect, and human well-
people: This commandment emphasizes the being in all their interactions and use of
importance of not using computers or technology.
technology to cause harm, whether through
hacking, spreading malware, or engaging in These Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
cyberbullying. provide a foundation for ethical behavior in the
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's digital age. They emphasize principles such as
computer work: Respecting others' work and respect, privacy, honesty, and social responsibility,
not disrupting their use of technology is which are crucial for maintaining a positive and
crucial for maintaining a positive and ethical digital environment.
productive digital environment.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other Both netiquette and computer ethics play essential
people's computer files: Respecting the roles in promoting positive and responsible
privacy of others' digital information is a behavior in the digital world. By following these
fundamental principle of computer ethics. guidelines and principles, individuals can
Unauthorized access to files and data contribute to a more ethical, respectful, and
breaches are violations of this beneficial online environment for themselves and
commandment. others.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal: This
commandment emphasizes the importance
of respecting intellectual property rights and Prepared by:
not engaging in software piracy, copyright Mary Jane Pagay – Cierva, LPT
infringement, or unauthorized copying of Instructor
digital content.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false
witness: Spreading false information or
participating in online deception goes
against the principle of honesty and
integrity. This commandment encourages
truthful and accurate digital
communication.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary
software for which you have not paid: This
commandment underscores the
importance of respecting software licensing
agreements and avoiding software piracy.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer
resources without authorization or proper
compensation: This commandment
highlights the importance of obtaining
permission before using others' computer
resources, such as network bandwidth or
computational power.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's
intellectual output: Respecting the work of
others, including their ideas, creations, and
content, is essential. Plagiarism and

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