Ethical Computing Information Wall by Lysha Mejia

Thou Shalt Not Use A Computer To Harm Other People.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:03:10 UTC

Some examples of harm can include cyber bullying, hacking and theft, spreading misinformation, and privacy violations. It is important to make sure you are using technology to better people's experiences not make it worse.

Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:10:25 UTC

It is important to make sure one is not interrupting or intentionally trying to sabotage someone's digital tasks (i.e. deleting files, installing malware, or flooding their system).

Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:33:04 UTC

Looking and accessing people's files, messages, emails, or any private data is an invasion of privacy. One must respect everyone's personal boundaries.

Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:35:52 UTC

Whether it’s money through online fraud, intellectual property like music or software, or personal data for identity theft, stealing is wrong in all forms.

Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:36:55 UTC

Spreading lies or misinformation online—through social media, fake reviews, or forged documents—can ruin reputations, mislead communities, and even endanger lives. Truthfulness and integrity are just as essential in digital communication as in personal interactions.

Thou shalt not copy or use propriety software for which you have not paid.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:38:23 UTC

Software is someone’s intellectual property, created through effort and creativity. Using it without proper licensing or payment is equivalent to stealing. Supporting creators by purchasing or using legal alternatives (like open-source software) ensures fairness.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:39:15 UTC

This includes using another person’s Wi-Fi, cloud storage, or processing power without permission. Just like borrowing someone’s car or tools without asking, unauthorized use is disrespectful and potentially harmful.

Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:40:42 UTC

Plagiarism—copying digital content like essays, code, art, or designs without giving credit—is unethical. Acknowledging the original creator not only respects their effort but also promotes honesty and accountability.

Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:43:37 UTC

Technology shapes society. A poorly designed program might spread bias, invade privacy, or harm communities. Ethical computing means considering how your creations affect people—striving to build systems that promote equity, safety, and well-being.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect to your fellow humans.

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:44:15 UTC

This final commandment sums up the others: empathy should guide all computer use. Whether coding, posting online, or sharing information, respect and kindness should be at the core of digital interactions.

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

mejialys — 2025-09-28 23:45:41 UTC

I feel as though students violate the plagiarism commandment most often. It is really easy for students to fall into the trap of AI when doing assignments and it is important that students try to fight that temptation.