Ten Principles of Civility in Cyberspace

				Ten Principles of Civility in Cyberspace
				by Marjorie W. Hodges and Gary Pavela 1. Promote Human Dignity The Internet is a human institution, designed to enhance the growth and development of human beings. Every person using the Internet should be treated in ways that respect and promote human dignity. 2. Uphold the Right to Privacy Privacy is a component of human dignity. In addition to adhering to pertinent laws and rules, people using the Internet have an ethical responsibility to respect the reasonable privacy expectations of others. 3. Foster Understanding and Empathy Human beings have shortcomings and make mistakes. They are accountable for the harm they do, but should be treated with understanding and empathy. 4. Know the Limitations of the Medium Communication on the Internet is not designed to replicate or replace the full richness and complexity of human interaction. Some direct and subtle attributes of communication are lost in the electronic medium. Anger, hostility, or sarcasm should not be readily assumed or inferred. If such characteristics are evident, they are usually best defused by reason, suasion, and compassion. 5. Protect Freedom of Expression The lawful expression of an idea should not be disrupted or censored. Those who disagree have a better option, enhanced by the power of the Internet itself: The dissemination of a better idea. 6. Respect the Work of Others The lawful work of others should not be disrupted, altered, damaged, destroyed, or misappropriated. Nor should the work of others be used without proper attribution. Those who share information on the Internet should state how it might be distributed by others. If there is a doubt, users should ask. 7. Preserve and Protect Network Resources The Internet is supported by values and virtues that promote individual freedom and responsibility, including self-restraint in the interest of others. The resources of the Internet must be protected, enhanced, and shared. *8. Welcome Newcomers* The Internet is a forum for democracy. New members should be welcomed, and guided by example. 9. Discuss and Define Community Standards The Internet is a large community composed of many smaller communities. Each community on the Internet has a responsibility to discuss, define and disseminate reasonable standards and protocols for its members. Members of Internet communities have a responsibility to learn, follow, and help improve pertinent community standards and protocols. *10.* Help Mold the Future The Internet is uniquely suited to educate, delight, inform, and persuade. Whether the Internet grows in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility--or is stifled by regulation and acrimony--depends upon the integrity, honesty, diligence, and kindness of those who use it. COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 600430, Saint John's, Florida 32260 To contact us, please: E-mail us at: info@collegepubs.com Web: http://www.collegepubs.com [Who We Are] [Critical Issues] [Reference Desk] [CAP Monographs] [CAP Periodicals] [CAP Seminars] [Help] [Links] [Search] [Secure Shopping]