Does the internet create moral and ethical problems?

Question

Anyone can do anything on the internet, say anything, with almost complete anonymity. The only analogy I can think of is kids writing graffitied notes on the inside doors of toilets, except the same, big wall can be accessed by billions of people of all ages. Does this create ethical/ moral problems for kids, who grow up thinking that it is ok to see, do, or say anything from the comfort of their family's or their personal PC? No previous generation has had so much access to things like pornography and graphic violence, in my opinion, which prompts my question.

Answer 1

Great analogy! I personally don't think that the Internet creates moral/ethical problems, but it does exasperate them. This is especially true in the case of child predators --the wall of anonymity that keeps them veiled is a scary side of effect of Internet access. Unfortunately, in order to preserve our rights to freedom, we give up a bit of security too.

Answer 2

I'm sure not all kids grow up thinking it's okay to see, do or say anything on the Internet. Nobody knows what anybody thinks.

This question was probably asked when television became part of our culture.

I don't think the Internet or using the Internet creates ethical/moral problems for kids. Parents who do not guide their children properly or educate them about what is acceptable behavior in society is what creates ethical/moral problems for kids.

Answer 3

we have to take the technology in context. it is here and now and we have to look at it here and now and forget what went before or we could get really screwed up by the moral and ethical problems that will always be there as the technology is ever changing

its very scary to think what is available at the push of a button

e-bullying is cos the bully is no longer just in your face on the way home from school then are now in your home (pc)

Answer 4

i think the moral and ethical problems will always live in society, but when they are given tools, such as the internet to be released they will be. i suppose that is how it was during the renissance, written word and music were weapons or tools for destruction in the eyes of some people. that is how i was taught anyway (open to discussion).

Answer 5

The internet in and of itself is inantimate and can do nothing. It takes humans to create moral and ethical problems.

Answer 6

its a new world of information, but mostly its just porn

Answer 7

thankfully - none of that happens here.