My Code of Computer Ethics
by mathe | Friday, March 10th, 2006 at 4:41 pm | Life as I See it |
As my computing work is restricted to using Microsoft Office applications and surfing the net, my Code of Computer Ethics is rather crude, simple and reflects old-fashioned, kindergarten – learned principles.
These personal do’s and don’ts were distilled from the lessons I learned from this subject and my experiences from years of computing. This Code also took time to be formulated as each principle is like a precious gem that I found from numerous occasions where questions on ethics in computing get in the fore. As I found them, I put them together as one would string precious stones one after the other.
I am not saying that this is a completed work as I see it more as an evolving piece. There will be other instances when it will be necessary to add another tenet. Meanwhile, this is as exhaustive as I can get:
1. Act with utmost respect when interacting with others through the net.
- Knock before you enter a room (Read: Do not go to sites unauthorized)
- Be gracious in your speech (Read: When in a chat group, let your language be gracious and free of obscenity)
- Give credit to where it is due (Read: Always cite your references when using borrowed materials).
2. Every act has an effect, whether good or bad.
Anything done in the computer can do a lot of tremendous good or tremendous harm to others. Be responsible, be wise, be kind, be honorable.
3. The computer is synonymous to information.
And information is power. Therefore, use the computer with utmost care, as one would wield power.
4. Do unto others’ intellectual properties as you would want them do to yours.
If you design a software or computer program and would want others not to steal it, then do not steal others’ intellectual properties, too.
5. If you can not afford to buy a software, borrow licensed ones.
It is a lesser evil than buying pirated ones. At least, profit did not go to your source.
6. Remember, one is just a speck in the whole universe of computing.
Be humble and always think that there are others better than you are. When interacting with others in the net, always have the mindset of a student, wanting to learn new things.
7. Computing is relative. To some, it is a right, to others it is a privilege.
Always bear in mind that you are a privileged individual for having access to a computer unit and/or the internet. Have an attitude of gratefulness at all times. You will discover that it is easier to be ethical when you have a grateful heart.
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