Ethics In The Internet: Can It Be Ignored?

The internet presents an enormous diversity of people. There are so many different people from different backgrounds, countries, religions, etc. its astounding. All in one place called the World Wide Web.

With those differences comes something else that we will never escape. Since the fall of Adam in Eden, man has struggled with the forces of good and evil. And with that comes the difficulty to define the line that separates the two.

Where do we draw the line when it comes to ethical uses of technology, programming and marketing Where do we draw the line when making a decision if manipulating something or using a resource to bend the rules is wrong.

To pin point it directly: People are selfish creatures. Many of us think of our selves before anyone else some of us take into consideration others some of us dont at all.

You want money and will do anything to get it.

Pursuing online opportunities can sometimes seem like a solitaire journey with not many people being effected by your efforts. I think that is very much opposite of the truth. The truth is the World Wide Web is spun tight and one flick of a thread can shake the whole web and cause effects like a ripple in a pond.

Let's expand this thought of the internet as a web. A place where everybody is an example for each other. We learn from each other the amount of inspiration across the internet is enormous. You are responsible for your actions and ways of doing things, and if your website is at all exposed I bet your ideas and ways of doing things will be duplicated for good or bad.

All in all the internet is a culture building fenomenon a society beyond societies, countries, ethnic groups, time and place. The cultures of the individuals give impression to the internet cultures and the cultures that build up in the internet give impression to the cultures we are living.

Many people just think of themselves. And that I guess is understandable. The internet draws people that are looking to make a fortune, to make a quick buck, to do whatever it takes to bring in the dough. These people have vision Im sure, but it is directed in a very narrow path with blinders and does not take into consideration the ripple it is causing

Im a believer that one needs to have this sort of vision to a degree. Thats how we reach our goals. To have a burning desire and to focus all our energy to attain it BUT we cannot lose site of the entire web

When you run into something that seems like it might be a little spammy or just doesnt sound ethical or right, you should ask yourself some questions:

1) Can I live with myself or dont I care because I just want the money? What about my integrity?

2) How does this effect my neighbors online? (everyone is your neighbor; one click away).

3) Is this something that promotes the good of the internet and will create an environment that promotes a better web? Does this have a negative impact?

4) Do I understand what the internet is and where my place in it is? You may not figure it out. It is a web. It is a place to hold & find information, to buy products and services, to communicate to imitate and build up culture. Will I disrupt that purpose?

5) Will this short term gain be worth the long term price? Am I building for today or for my future? Will doing what Im doing now actually destroy opportunities to make money elsewhere down the road?

You see lets take search engines for instance. You have to admit they play a vital role online What if we do something that makes that piece of the puzzle problematic? Do you not think that will have an impact

I always try and think of myself as the surfer (and thats not to hard, because I am one what would I want?)

Let us be part of the solution Let's not work against the system and instead help it Let's make decisions that are good for the public & business online

Wont it provide you MORE opportunity?

Ethics will be ignored because the internet is populated by humans. And there will always be humans that will want to do things the hard way, manipulate and cheat the system

At the same time, maybe if enough of us cared We could make the internet a better place for us all and in the long run create better technology and more opportunity!

Imagine what the Search Engines could do if they took all the energy they use fighting unethical webmasters to create a better engine and experience for us!

I want to make money too. But I also have sight. I see the potential if we all work together for the common good.

Will I walk that fine line myself. To my very best knowledge And I will ask myself those questionsI am not alone in the internet. I am responsible to myself, to my fellow surfers and siteowners and to God in Heaven.

Please give it a thought....

Copyright (c) Lars Krgholt 2006

Lars Krgholt is an online entrepreneur wanting to help people getting the best of the internet. Website: http://krogholt.ws

Lars Krogholt is Danish and a student at International Apostolic Bible College. He is the author of an eBook soon to come: "101 Tips to a More Efficient Use of Your Wordprocessor". Website: http://krogholt.wsFlossi Blog95627
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