Reading questions for:
Johnson, Ethics On-Line.
CS-80--Senior Seminar
Fall '01

Levent Besik

September 12, 2001

1. What are the special characteristics of the online communications?
2. According to Johnson, why is online anonymity important? What problems arise from online anonymity? Why does trust conflict anonymity in an online community? Is there a way to provide both at the same time, or if not, which one is more desirable?
3. Is there anything wrong with ideas once posted, living online forever?
4. What does Johnson mean by "consenting to the unexpected"? What does she suggest to solve issues with consenting to the unexpected online?
5. Overall, does Johnson think that the concept of Internet introduces new ethical issues to our community?
6. Today, many people on the Internet, mostly from Open Source community, believe that commercial products are forced to be more secure and reliable by attempts to be "cracked". People involved in this process are usually called to be a part of "hacker culture". How is this culture affected by the principles Johnson is suggesting for us to follow online? Are they flexible enough? Are they too restrictive?