Reflection 2 - Is there an ethical code when engaging in the digital space, we can all agree on? What might this look like?

The digital space is what we refer to when we discuss online platforms such as ones on social media, comment sections, online chats, gaming, etc. growing up I was never much of a social person when it came to being online. I can say that i am now but this only has come about in the last 7-8 years or at least when I reached year 9. when engaging in the digital space I believe that certain risks are always possible so upholding some kind of code and/or rules is always a safe measure to have when engaging in these spaces.

My parents have always brought me up explaining the value of being street-wise and street-smart when it comes to engaging online and on the street. Examples include, never giving out personal information, uploading pictures to yourself to strangers online, etc. Following simple and basic rules like this online, is what I believe we should called an ethical code when engaging in these digital spaces. I won’t go into specifics but I had a friend I used to know a long time ago who was scammed online and subsequently forced to pay large amounts of money to a scammer on a certain digital space. Experiences like these, or at least hearing experiences like these is the reason I believe having an ethical code and a moral sense of safety is very important if people including myself are going to go onto these sites and talk to strangers.

In module 4 of week 4 articles included in the weeks content explain the importance of children and teenagers especially being safe online. I think to myself, if this is a common problem for people who regularly go online then why is this ethical code not a common practice? In my experience, my parents have always heavily highlighted the importance of being careful online. Even to this as an adult whenever I choose to engage digitally I make sure to take precautions that any of my details considered personal or private are not leaked.

I believe that if we were to draft an ethical code used by the general public when engaging online it would need to include rules that not just the students use (because they go online far often) but that teachers must uphold as well. These rules would look something like respecting privacy and ensuring that any data collected is not released or used without direct consent from the other person. Other rules we could use are, communicating with integrity, promoting respect online, taking responsibility for our actions, etc. For teachers, certain rules would be ones such as committing to fairness when getting content for lessons, being environmentally conscious and fostering continuous learning when online and ensuring that students get the best they possibly can with what you are providing online or in person. (eSafety Commissioner, 2023).

Finally, I think that the question of us having an ethical code when online is very important and a conversation and reflection all of us as people need to have at least once so we can acknowledge that the internet and technology in general are not something we can trust all the time and being safe and cautious is our best point of action.