Ethical Computing Information Wall by Gisele Galera

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

galeragi — 2025-09-27 19:44:44 UTC

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files.
Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Which of the Ten Ethical Computing Guidelines do you think students violate most often?

galeragi — 2025-09-27 19:57:50 UTC

I think the Ten Ethical Computing Guideline that students violate most often is “Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.” In other words, plagiarism. With how easy it is to copy and paste from the internet, many students are tempted to use other people’s work without properly citing it. Sometimes this happens intentionally, but often it’s due to a lack of understanding of how to credit sources correctly. Since plagiarism goes against both academic integrity and computer ethics, I believe it is the most common violation among students today.

Why do you think these violations occur?

galeragi — 2025-09-27 20:10:54 UTC

I think these violations occur because technology makes it so easy to access and share information. With just a few clicks, students can download software, copy answers, or use someone else’s work without much effort. Sometimes the violations are intentional, such as trying to save money or time, but other times they happen because students don’t fully understand the rules of academic honesty or copyright. Pressure to get good grades, deadlines, and convenience all play a role in why students might ignore ethical computing guidelines.

galeragi — 2025-09-27 20:15:05 UTC

To reduce or eliminate unethical computing behavior, I think schools and educators need to provide more education on digital ethics and academic integrity. Many students break these rules simply because they don’t fully understand the consequences or the proper way to use and cite information. For example, assignments on plagiarism, copyright, and responsible use of technology could help students make better choices. Creating a culture of honesty, where effort is valued as much as results, can make students less likely to take shortcuts that violate ethical guidelines.