Critics of On-Line Communities Argue That There Is Greater Potential

question 33

Essay

Critics of on-line communities argue that there is greater potential for deceit in online relationships in comparison to face-to-face ones. In online relationships, they argue, people may misrepresent their appearance, sex, sexual orientation, etc. What are the advantages of disadvantages of having the ability to be represent yourself differently in an online community than you are able to in a face-to-face community? If you think there are ethical concerns here, discuss these. If you feel ethics are irrelevant to this issue, explain why.

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Definitions:

Judicially Admitted

Statements or facts that have been acknowledged and accepted by a court as true and valid.

Partnership by Estoppel

A legal doctrine that treats a non-partner as a partner due to their actions or representations to third parties.

Statute of Frauds

A legal concept that requires certain types of contracts to be executed in writing and signed by the party to be charged with the contract.

Informal Documentation

Non-official records or papers that may not be formally recognized but can provide insight or evidence into particular areas or situations.