An examination of ethical computer awareness using confirmatory factor models

Abstract

Computers and the internet represent many people, organisations, and governments. In today’s internet-rich world, information technology plays a vital role in our daily life. There is a lot of potential that can be emerged in information technology world as well as the usage of electronic equipments. However, at the same time information technology has raised some ethical issues such as unauthorised access and use of computer systems, software piracy and information privacy. In today’s world, computers are one of the core technologies, and they have become central to the operations of industry, military, education, research and many others. One factor behind the rise of computer ethics is the lingering doubt that computer professionals may be not prepared to deal effectively with the ethical issues that arise in the workplace. In other words, the positive morals and values need to influence the character of the computer science professionals as they make decisions. The study of computer ethics is an essential aspect in the education of future professionals. In this context, the teaching of computer ethics in the preparation of computer professionals, and the education of the general computer user, is an area of increasing importance and interest. Dolado (2000) asserted that the general feeling is that moral principles and ethical behaviour should be taught whenever a profession wants to be established.