Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information Literacy

Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information Literacy

Criselda Joy De Guzman, LPT, MAED

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, learners shall be able to:

  • Discuss and analyze a specific case study related to the legal, ethical, and societal issues in the use of media and information literacy.

  • Acknowledge the different issues of media and information literacy.

  • Put into action their personal resolve to combat digital divide, addiction, and bullying.

Overview of Issues in Media and Information Literacy

  • Avatars

  • Bullies

  • Gambling

  • Drugs

  • Texting / Sexting

  • Cyber Patrol

  • Predators

  • XXX Sites

  • Identity Thieves

  • Illegal Activity

  • Hackers and Warez

  • Illegal Downloads

  • Protecting people online

Source: Cloud Image of Internet Dangers (Photograph). Retrieved from https://www.cyberpatrol.com/assets/cyberpatrol/cybersharks_map.jpg

Cybercrime Law Overview (RA 10175)

  • ILLEGAL ACCESS: Accessing any part or a whole computer without the supervision of the owner.

  • ILLEGAL INTERCEPTION: Intercepting an electronic transmission before it reaches the intended recipient.

  • DATA INTERFERENCE: The alteration of any computer data, including the transmission of viruses.

  • SYSTEM INTERFERENCE: Intercepting a computer to make it unable to function or malfunctioning a program, gaining illegal access to the system.

  • COMPUTER-RELATED FRAUD: Illegal input, altering, or deletion of information in a computer system causing damage.

  • COMPUTER-RELATED IDENTITY THEFT: The illegal use of someone else's identity online.

  • CYBERSEX: Sexual activity conducted online or displaying private parts of the body online.

  • CHILD PORNOGRAPHY: Making a child display online their private parts.

  • Penalties: Possible imprisonment or fines, with detailed implications under the provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Copyright

  • Definition: Copyright gives the creator of a literary, artistic, musical, or other creative work the right to:

    • Publish

    • Sell that work

    • Control the reproduction of their work (the right to receive payment for that reproduction)

    • Grant or sell rights to others

  • Infringement: Copyright laws prohibit the reproduction or performance of the work by anyone other than the author without the author's permission.

Plagiarism

  • Definition: Plagiarism involves using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization.

  • Example: A student might copy significant portions of a peer's essay and submit it as original work, constituting an unethical practice.

Cyber Bullying

  • Definition: Online bullying that involves the use of electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets for communication, encompassing platforms like social media, text messages, chat rooms, and websites.

Computer Addiction

  • Definition: The excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with an individual's daily life activities, both socially and personally.

Digital Divide

  • Definition: An economic inequality between groups in terms of access to, use of, or knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

  • Average Connection Speeds by ASEAN Country (IPv4):

    • Singapore: 20.3 Mbps

    • Thailand: 16 Mbps

    • Vietnam: 9.5 Mbps

    • Malaysia: 8.9 Mbps

    • Indonesia: 7.2 Mbps

    • Philippines: 5.5 Mbps

    • Not listed: Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar

Source: Akamai Q1 State of the Internet - Connectivity Report

Questions and Case Studies

  1. Definition of Digital Divide: An economic inequality between groups in terms of access to, use of, or knowledge of ICT.

  2. Copyright Rights: The right to control the reproduction of their work (the right to receive payment for that reproduction).

  3. Definition of Plagiarism: Using or closely imitating another author's language and thoughts without authorization.

  4. Definition of Cyber Bullying: Involves using electronic devices for communication including social media, text messages, chat, and websites.

  5. Definition of Computer Addiction: The excessive use of computers interfering with daily life.

Practice Scenario Questions

  • Riya copies large parts of her friend’s essay and submits it as her own work. What unethical practice has Riya committed?

  • Musician finds their song uploaded online without permission, which law protects the musician’s rights?

  • Alex spends 10 hours playing online games daily, what problem is Alex likely experiencing?

  • Students in a rural village who cannot attend online classes due to lack of resources face what term describing this inequality?

  • Sam receives threatening messages on social media, what situation is Sam experiencing?

Ethical Issues Ranking Exercise

  • Students are tasked to rank and explain the seriousness of various ethical issues in media and digital literacy from most to least serious. Issues to rank include:

    1. Plagiarism

    2. Copyright

    3. Computer addiction

    4. Digital divide

    5. Cyber bullying

Oral Presentations Sample Rubric

Criteria:

  • Organization: Information needs to be presented in a logical sequence.

  • Subject Knowledge: Demonstration of knowledge beyond what is required, addressing all questions with explanations.

  • Graphics: Use of graphics to explain and reinforce text.

  • Mechanics: No spelling or grammatical errors.

  • Eye Contact: Maintains eye contact without relying heavily on notes.

  • Elocution: Clear voice with correct pronunciation that allows all audience members to hear.

Grading Scale:

  • 4: Exceptional performance

  • 3: Proficient performance

  • 2: Needs improvement

  • 1: Unsatisfactory performance

Source: Rubric presentation: Evaluating student's presentation. Retrieved from https://www.ncsu.edu/midlink/rub.pres.html