2.3 - Case Studies

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Cambridge Analytica Scandal

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Teacher
Teacher

Today we'll discuss the Cambridge Analytica scandal. This incident revolved around the unauthorized use of personal data from Facebook users to build psychological profiles for political campaigns.

Student 1
Student 1

What was the main issue with how they used the data?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! It involved manipulating voter behavior without consent, raising major ethical questions about privacy and consent. Can anyone remember what 'informed consent' means?

Student 2
Student 2

It means people should know how their data is being used before they agree to anything.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And as digital citizens, we have to ensure our data rights are respected. Now, what do you think should happen to companies that misuse data?

Student 3
Student 3

Maybe they should be fined or made to pay for it?

Teacher
Teacher

That's a possibility! Ensuring accountability is critical. In summary, the scandal highlighted the importance of ethical practices in data handling.

Edward Snowden Leaks

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, weโ€™ll delve into the case of Edward Snowden. Snowden leaked classified information about government surveillance programs, which shocked the public.

Student 4
Student 4

Was he right to do that? It sounds like a betrayal!

Teacher
Teacher

That's a common perspective. His actions raised heavy moral questions: Are whistleblowers heroes or traitors? What do you think, Student_1?

Student 1
Student 1

I think he was a hero because he exposed something wrong. People have a right to know!

Teacher
Teacher

An important point! Each case must be evaluated on its merits. But remember, though, ethics is complex. Why do you think governments might disapprove of whistleblowing?

Student 2
Student 2

They probably want to maintain secrecy for national security.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! Balancing national security against the public's right to know is a difficult ethical dilemma.

Online Trolling

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Teacher
Teacher

Now letโ€™s address online trolling. Anonymity can empower people to express themselves, but it also leads to bullying and harassment. Why do you think people troll?

Student 3
Student 3

Maybe they think they can get away with it because theyโ€™re not face to face?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The shield of anonymity can sometimes encourage bad behavior. Student_4, what do you think the consequence of such actions might be?

Student 4
Student 4

It can really hurt people; they can get depressed and anxious.

Teacher
Teacher

You're right, and that's why itโ€™s important to speak up against trolling. Each of us plays a role in fostering a safe online community!

Student 1
Student 1

So we all need to be responsible digital citizens!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! A strong summary: Ethics in our digital interactions is crucial for a supportive online environment.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section presents real-world examples illustrating the ethical challenges of digital citizenship, focusing on data misuse, whistleblowing, and online behavior.

Standard

The case studies highlight significant digital ethics issues, including the misuse of personal data in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the ethical implications of whistleblowing as demonstrated in the Edward Snowden leaks, and the consequences of anonymity leading to online trolling. These examples underscore the importance of ethical behavior in the digital realm.

Detailed

Detailed Summary of Case Studies

Overview

In this section, we explore three pivotal case studies that shed light on the ethical dilemmas faced in the digital landscape:

  1. Cambridge Analytica Scandal: This case exemplifies the misuse of personal data to influence voter behavior, raising alarms about privacy rights and the responsibility of tech companies in data protection.
  2. Edward Snowden Leaks: Snowden's actions brought to public attention issues of government surveillance and the ethics surrounding whistleblowing in the digital age, questioning the balance between national security and the public's right to know.
  3. Online Trolling: The phenomenon of online trolling explores the ethical implications of anonymity on the internet, examining how it can lead to harmful behavior and the societal responsibility to create a safe online environment.

Significance

These case studies serve as poignant reminders of the ethical responsibilities of digital citizens. They illustrate the challenges of navigating privacy, security, and the balance between freedoms and responsibilities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Audio Book

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Cambridge Analytica Scandal

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โ€ข Cambridge Analytica Scandal โ€“ misuse of personal data for political campaigns.

Detailed Explanation

The Cambridge Analytica scandal involved the misuse of personal data from millions of Facebook users without their consent. The company exploited this data to create targeted political advertisements during elections. This raised ethical concerns about how personal information is collected, shared, and used, questioning the privacy rights of individuals.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like someone going through your personal diary without asking and then using the secrets they find to influence your friends against you. It's an invasion of privacy that can have serious consequences in the real world.

Edward Snowden Leaks

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โ€ข Edward Snowden Leaks โ€“ ethics of whistleblowing in a digital age.

Detailed Explanation

Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, leaked classified information revealing extensive government surveillance programs that violated citizens' privacy. This raised ethical discussions on whistleblowing, as some view Snowden as a hero for exposing wrongdoing, while others see him as a traitor for compromising national security.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you discover that your school is secretly recording student conversations without permission. You could either stay silent or decide to speak up and inform everyone, knowing it could get you in trouble. Snowden chose to speak up, similar to a whistleblower in such a situation.

Online Trolling

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โ€ข Online Trolling โ€“ ethical implications of anonymity online.

Detailed Explanation

Online trolling refers to the act of intentionally provoking or upsetting others online, often hiding behind the veil of anonymity. This presents ethical issues regarding responsibility for words and actions in digital spaces. Anonymity can encourage harmful behavior and diminish accountability.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a school where some students throw paper airplanes at others from the back of the class while remaining unseen. In the digital world, anonymity allows trolls to harass people without facing the consequences, similar to that disruptive student.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Digital Ethics: The principles of appropriate and responsible behavior in the digital realm.

  • Data Privacy: Respecting individuals' rights over their personal information.

  • Anonymity: The state of being unidentified or unaccounted for in online interactions which can lead to both freedom of expression and harmful behavior.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • The misuse of Facebook data for targeted political advertising in the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

  • Edward Snowden revealing NSA surveillance practices, raising questions about government transparency versus security.

  • Instances of online trolling leading to emotional distress for victims.

Memory Aids

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๐ŸŽต Rhymes Time

  • In a world that's vast and digital, keep your ethics pivotal.

๐Ÿ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Once there was a brave whistleblower named Ed, who revealed the truth that many wished was dead. With courage in his heart he did what was right, showing the world, sometimes we must fight.

๐Ÿง  Other Memory Gems

  • C-W-O: 'C' for Cambridge Analytica, 'W' for Whistleblower, 'O' for Online Trolling - Remember the cases of ethics we mustn't be scrolling!

๐ŸŽฏ Super Acronyms

P.E.T

  • 'P' for Privacy
  • 'E' for Ethics
  • 'T' for Transparency - Key concepts every digital citizen must see!

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Cambridge Analytica

    Definition:

    A political consulting firm involved in the controversial use of personal data from Facebook for political campaigns.

  • Term: Whistleblowing

    Definition:

    The act of exposing information or activities deemed illegal or unethical within an organization.

  • Term: Online Trolling

    Definition:

    The act of deliberately provoking or harassing others online, often achieved through anonymity.