In this post, I will talk about what our individual accountabilities and group responsibilities are in relation to the digital world and more specifically in virtual environments.
More and more as the digital age progresses each of our lives are intertwined with the online world. With this progression comes responsibility for each of us to conduct ourselves in ethical digital engagement. Due to the difficulty around creating laws and legislation around the digital world, we must take it on ourselves to follow an unwritten code of ethics. Some have tried to list out what these are, for example “when they are provided opportunities, such as the access to the Internet and use of online products, they need to be diligent in helping others as well, such as informing adults of potential problems.”(1)
When looking for an example of how virtual environments have promoted engagement and integration, you need look no further than the non-profit corporation known as Virtual Ability Inc.(2). Virtual Ability Inc. was created in 2007 as a community for and a source of support for people with physical, mental, sensory, developmental, and emotional disabilities as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. to engage with others with the aid of virtual worlds. It is this type of community that wouldn’t have been possible before the digital age for a number of various reasons, such as someone being housebound.
It is among our best interests to continue on both individually and as a group to encourage and promote a good code of ethics when in an online community similarly to what Virtual Ability has done. It is this encouragement that will lead to a greater, more ethical online environment that is inclusive for all and not just for some.
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