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Ethics are "a system of principals and customs that affect how people lead their lives". Although we do not have to follow these principles or ethics, it is generally in the best interests of everyone that we do.

Ethics are different to legislation or laws that legally dictate what is right and wrong. Ethics represent society's opinions about what is right and what is wrong.

When we think about ethics in digital technology, we are considering what society's opinions are about the use of computers and the development of hardware and software.

For example, should your search history be sold to third parties? Should a new employer be allowed to access your social media history? How should you conduct yourself when online?

Ethical impact of digital technology

Computers have undoubtedly benefitted society, but the increase in our use of digital technology has also brought about an increase in its misuse.

Misuse of the internet

Computers have undoubtedly benefitted society but the increase in our use of digital technology has also brought about an increase in its misuse.

'Fake news'

Although nothing new, and once considered harmless April Fools fun, the internet has allowed for the instantaneous spread of misinformation to global audiences. Instead of harmless fun, 'fake news' is now increasing the possibility of exploitation, discrimination and inequality. There is concern that 'fake news' has been used to manipulate voters, spread propaganda and mask real news stories.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of internet and/or mobile services to bully or otherwise harm an individual. Often the bully is harder to identify and the bullying more persistent due to the nature of current internet use and social media platforms. Varying forms of cyberbullying including trolling (deliberately upsetting people) and flaming (posting offensive messages) and the sheer number of critical messages contribute to the harmful impact.

However, due to the culture of internet use, many people fail to see their actions as unethical or immoral.

Offensive material

What some people see as freedom of expression, others will see as the publication of offensive material. The internet has changed the way people express themselves. As the internet is a global medium, views posted by some sections of society may well offend others.

The consumption of 'offensive material' has also become a moral and ethical issue.

Use of email

As many employees now sync work email to their smartphones, employers may expect workers to check email outside office hours. The use of email has raised ethical and moral issues for both employees and employers. Is it ok to email people outside office hours? Does an email intrude on a person's home life? Is it ok to monitor employee email for personal use?

These issues pose a quandary for both employees and employers, particularly in the absence of clear company policies. The use of email could become an ethical and legal minefield.

Misuse of social media

The increase of social media has resulted in more and more of our personal information being made available online. This information, unfortunately, can be misused. For example, there have been many cases where paedophiles have used social media to groom and locate victims. Information posted on social media may be used by criminals to carry out identity fraud.

There are also concerns about people becoming addicted to social media when they spend too much time engrossed in what others are posting rather than living an active, healthier lifestyle.

Social media often reflects a very positive and unrealistic view of a person's life and people may feel under pressure to live up to those expectations.

Many commentators bemoan a culture of self-obsession where people constantly take 'selfies', exaggerate their achievements and even lie or create false news to make themselves more popular and get more 'likes'.