WELCOME BACK!1. Walk quietly to your seat2. Place your backpack under your seat

3. Turn on your computer and log in4. Log into www.schoology.com (remember,

same username and password as your computer), and begin filling out your profile

ETHICSEthics, sometimes known as philosophical ethics, ethical theory, moral theory, and moral philosophy, is a branch

of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct, often addressing disputes of moral diversity. The term comes from the Greek word ἠθικός (ethikos) from

ἦθος (ethos), which means "custom, habit". The superfield within philosophy known as axiology includes both ethics and aesthetics and is

unified by each sub-branch's concern with value. 

Philosophical ethics investigates what is the best way for humans to live, and what kinds of actions are right or wrong in

particular circumstances. 

How do you think this person feels?

“When one man dies, it is a tragedy; when thousands die, it’s statistics.”

-Josef Stalin

Empathy Humans have an innate superpower: we

can guess how another human is feeling implicitly.

The instinct is so powerful, it can even be triggered by crude drawings or cartoon characters.

Without empathy, our civilization would not be possible.

ANONYMITY The information age has allowed for a

(relatively) brand-new innovation in communication: perfect anonymity

When you are online, you could be anyone.

But this comes with its own set of drawbacks…

What can you do with a mask?

You can get candy from total strangers one day a year

You can rob a bank You can pretend to be someone you

aren’t You can hide from people you don’t like You can feel like you have avoided

consequences

Anonymity can be intoxicating It’s easy to lose yourself in the freedom

being anonymous affords When no one knows who you are, you

can begin to feel invincible or untouchable

Being in an online community can reinforce this idea to even greater amounts, until…

oops Many individuals let their guard down,

thinking anonymity will shield them from the consequences of a “harmless joke”

These same individuals become intimately acquainted with law enforcement very shortly!

Online Disinhibition Effect Scientists, as usual, have figured out a

way to quantify this phenomenon Psychologist John Suler quotes six factors

behind this effect:1. “You don’t know me”2. “You can’t see me”3. “See you later”4. “It’s all in my head5. “It’s just a game”6. “Your rules don’t apply here”

“You don’t know me” Simple anonymity can be protective, but

it’s a double-edged sword Being anonymous may allow one to

meaningfully release otherwise embarrassing emotions, but it also provides an outlet for behaviors that may be termed antisocial.

“You can’t see me” The internet is a perfect disguise; anyone

can be anyone or anything Because physical presence is not a factor,

things such as physical appearance and tone of voice are nonexistent in online communication

Emoticons aren’t a solution!

“See you later” Communication online does not have to

be instant One can type out a cohesive, angry rant

and then simply leave before any meaningful response is leveled

“It’s all in my head” Without visual cues, the human brain will

assign characteristics to whoever it is interacting with

These may be traits the other user may not necessarily have

“It’s just a game” Some may see online interaction as an

entirely different reality, with entirely different rules

This kind of escapism allows an individual to quickly acquire and discard various personas

“Your rules don’t apply here”

Social rules tend to be blurred by online interactions, where one’s status as a public figure, celebrity, private citizen, or authority figure is obfuscated

Fear of reprisal or disapproval disappears as “the playing ground is leveled”

Online communication is still communication! Before you decide to post something

inflammatory or offensive, ask yourself this:

“Is this something I would feel comfortable telling a stranger

in an elevator?”

Always remember that there is someone on the other side of the screen!

PRIVACYSimply put, privacy is the expectation that an individual cannot be obligated to reveal or express themselves or information about

themselvesThough we may expect some amount of

privacy, it is not guaranteed to us in the slightest

Safeguard your privacy!Always consider who may be watching at any given time. If you think someone may

be looking over your shoulder, you may wish to reconsider typing out that message at a

public computer.

Safeguard others’ privacy!If you stumble upon private or personal information, don’t look at it! We cannot

always stop ourselves from catching small glimpses of other people’s private

information, but it is our responsibility to leave it at a glimpse and no more.

Another person’s expectation of privacy is no less important than your own!