by Leigh Goessl

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2011

Ethics are often subjective and when morals come into question there is not always a clear cut defined line. The Internet has added an interesting twist to traditional ethics since it has become so entwined in society. While the Internet is a useful tool and a great source to access a wealth of information, it does indeed have its challenges.

The Internet brings people together and with this capability a significant problem arises because all of these people possess their own thoughts, opinions, values and morals. Today most of the world interacts globally and cultural clashes may occur due to some of these differences. What is offensive in one corner of the world may be perfectly acceptable in another. In fact, this can occur in the same town or even on the same street.

When large numbers of people come together in any environment there are bound to be some differences in beliefs or conflict. Two of the biggest moral problems which have arisen with the increased use of the Internet in society are criminal acts and societal challenges.

Unfortunately there is a dark side of the human population which resides on the Internet. They embrace the opportunity to exploit others for personal gain. One exploit impacts personal safety with private information or financial assets. The other problematic issue is the social plights which can impact personal safety or possess moral considerations which challenge Internet users.

While the kinds of crimes that occur on the Internet is not acceptable for most people, with the rise of these kinds of exploits or injustices, the statistics show there is a definitive rise in activities which require a moral conscience. Additionally the more gray areas, which may not necessarily be illegal, but rather are subjective in nature depending on one's moral perspective, have caused many challenges that are difficult for Internet users to overcome.

• Personal Exploits

Years ago the primary worry people had to be concerned with regarding unseen predators was not falling for scam telephone artists. This is no longer the case since the world is heavily laced and interwoven with computer technology. As a result people have to be more savvy and rigorous about protecting themselves.

Now that predators and other criminal intents are rampant on the Internet, security challenges have increased ten fold. Today when you log online you have to worry about identity theft, financial theft, or falling prey to social engineers who want to harm or take

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