The Internet

The Internet has created a new world and widened the horizon in a many areas. Some say its makes for a better world. Unfortunately, this new world also offers new means of abuse. Let us be clear about the following:

Abuse achieved by means of typing on a keyboard, rather than by physical breaking and entering, does not change the fact that it is still abuse.

The excuse that "everyone is doing it" does not justify the acts or makes them moral and legal.

The effortless way of obtaining unlimited information through the Internet and executing instant transactions all over the world requires that a moral person must be more scrupulous not to be drawn into these pitfalls, even if they are not explicitly defined as illegal.


Improper Conduct through the Internet

Misrepresentation – The interest enables people to pose as others – this is plain cheating, deceit, and trickery. There is nothing wrong in chatting or participating in forums on the internet using a nickname or an alias, as long as everyone involved is aware of it.

Violation of copyrights – The internet enables downloading songs, movies, books, and articles in violation of intellectual property rights. This is in actual fact theft. A moral person would purchase these works through the internet rather than downloading them illegally.

Slander and Evil Gossip – The internet enables everyone to publish any type of information at any time and on any subject. Anyone wishing to do harm, can spread limitless false information slander and abuse. A moral person should remember that slander is a criminal offense and a civil injustice, and doing so through the internet does not diminish the seriousness of the act: Quite the opposite.

False Pretense – Talkbacks have become a very influential tool. Anyone is entitled to express their thoughts and opinions even under an assumed name. However, initiating talkbacks that are sort of "mercenaries of the keyboard", and sending out intentionally false, misleading and distorted responses is improper and forbidden.

Pornographic Websites – Prostitution is wrong and having sexual relations with prostitutes is exploiting their plight. The same is true for phonographic sites. Surfing these sites encourages exploitation of distress and non-consensual sexual acts. Porn sites also encourage sexual acts that go against sexual basic values of intimate relations, privacy, dignity, full consent, and no coercion and exploiting. True, no physical sexual act is performed through the internet, but the fact that its virtual, does not diminish its improperness, and the site owner is regarded as a pimp for all intents and purposes. Both the owner and a pimp use people's plight for their own gain.

Pedophilia Sites – these are no less than abominable crimes. Anyone entering these sites is a sex pervert and participates in exploiting minors.