Question

Discuss the differences in ethical thinking when one interacts with technology vs. face-to-face.

1.What ethics issues and principles relate to this topic?

2. How would a foundation in ethics principles help to prevent these ethics issues?

Answer 1

1.When one interacts with technology, they communicate through the electronic device like computer and they are not seeing the emotional side of the other person. In the case of face-to -face interaction, the communicator is in direct contact with the other party and he/she has a moral obligation to take care of other party’s emotions. People can identify from their body language, eye contact, expressions and other nonverbal communication regarding whether the conversation is taking care of the other party’s interests or not. But communication through technology does not ensure ethical treatment of the other party as it is not possible to understand the effect of communication on the party. The communicator may consider his/her own benefit during communication which leads to ethical issues. There are chances of cheating as well since we cannot analyze the motive through direct analysis of the person. We should be able to analyze the nonverbal communication also to ensure ethical behavior during our interaction with others.

2. When there is a foundation in ethical principle, the person communicating through the technology would give importance to the other party’s emotions. Though he/she cannot understand the same without face-to-face interaction, they would ensure to value other party’s interest and keeps a check on whether the other party is satisfied with the interaction or not. They may ask frequent questions to ensure the same which makes the other party express their concerns without hiding anything. The open communication would help to prevent the ethical issues. Moreover when a person is having foundation in ethical principles he/she will not try to take advantage of technology and cheat others.