Ethical Issues in the Age of the Internet: A Study of Students' Perceptions Using the Multidimensional Ethics Scale

Abstract

With business ethics a concern in society, the Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES) has been used to study respondents' views of the ethics of various business scenarios. Given the pervasiveness of the Internet, this study seeks to offer insights into the Internet ethics of college students, a major category of Internet user, by using the MES to explore students' perspectives on questionable Internet practices involving privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility (PAPA) issues. Results suggest students are willing to engage in questionable practices, to hold a “buyer beware” view of web-based activities, and to believe most others using the Internet feel similarly.