Web1.0 to Web2.0 revolutionized the way humans communicate online.
No longer are we the sole publisher of a particular page on the
Internet but rather a drop in the ocean of intertwined conversations
spanning multiple continents and different ethnic backgrounds. We are
therefore morally obligated to bound by ‘Golden Rules’ (ethic of reciprocity)
that is applied the in the form of law and justice in physical presence
but ‘lost’ as we navigate through the craziness of the Internet.
However, ethical issue on the Internet of right and wrong is blurred
with the presence of anonymity and often overwhelming of information
overflow causes one to disintegrate their integrity and loses themselves
among the wonders of opinion and various of voices. My fellow colleague
has once told me to never look at the comment sections of “Youtube” but
I was too curious. Too curious for my own good which resulted in
frustration and anger at some of the users. Etiquette lost its way for
users that post racist comments and humiliation of taunts against other
users and to members of the online community. This illustrate the fact
that ethical judgement is ‘stolen’ under the presence of anonymity.
We
would think twice about our action in physical world in which it causes
emotion or physical harm to others due to cause and effect relationship
imposed by governing bodies but the introduction of virtual presence
have removed this basic safety net. I believe through education and
awareness, we could reduce the pollutant on the Web and abiding by the
‘Golden Rule’ in the digital world would eliminate hateful comments.
The Golden Rule
“One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.” Antony Flew (1979).The MacMillan Press. p. 134. ISBN 0-330-48730-2.
Appendix:
a.k.a => also known as
Youtube => a digital platform for distribution of videos and user engagement.
