Assignment 1: Discussion—Ethical, Social, And Politic 557725
Assignment 1: Discussion—Ethical, Social, and Political Issues Information is data that is framed in a specific context
Assignment 1: Discussion—Ethical, Social, and Political Issues
Information is data that is framed in a specific context. In this sense, information is contextual data that has a level of inherent value. Data might be the binary 0s and 1s on a hard drive, but information is the combination of that binary data into a document, media file, or database. Therefore, information systems are methods of managing the value of different types of data. The value of the data might be in the personal records such as social security number, addresses, or shopping habits that are linked together to form an online shopping cart and on-click purchasing.
The value of information provides for the potential for ethical, social, and political issues within an organization. An example of these ethical, social, and political issues can be found in the concept of privacy. Using the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources, research the ethical, social, and political issues within an organization, and explain each of the issues. Respond to the following: What ethical, social, and political issues arise with the use of information systems? Which of these identified issues can have the most adverse effect on an organization if not managed properly?
By the due date assigned, post your response to the Discussion Area. Through the end of module, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Write your initial response in 300–500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Paper For Above instruction
In the contemporary digital landscape, information systems serve as vital instruments that facilitate the collection, processing, storage, and dissemination of data within organizations. While these systems are indispensable for operational efficiency and competitive advantage, they also introduce a suite of ethical, social, and political challenges that organizations must navigate carefully. Understanding these issues is critical for responsible data management and organizational integrity.
Ethical Issues in Information Systems
Ethical concerns related to information systems primarily revolve around privacy, security, and data accuracy. Privacy issues emerge when organizations collect and utilize personal data without explicit consent, which infringes on individuals' rights to control their information. For example, data breaches can expose sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers or health records, leading to identity theft and financial loss (Sharma & Singh, 2018). Security concerns also encompass the ethical responsibility of organizations to safeguard data against unauthorized access, hacking, and cyberattacks. Moreover, data accuracy and integrity are ethical issues because providing incorrect information can mislead users or result in faulty decision-making (Floridi, 2016).
Social Issues in Information Systems
Social issues stem from how information systems impact societal interactions and individuals' lives. The proliferation of social media and online platforms has transformed communication styles, fostering a culture of constant connectivity but also raising concerns about addiction, mental health, and social isolation (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017). Additionally, disparities in digital access—often termed the digital divide—exacerbate social inequalities, as marginalized populations may lack the resources to benefit equally from technological advancements. Such disparities can lead to a widening gap between different socioeconomic groups and hinder social mobility (Selwyn, 2019).
Political Issues in Information Systems
On the political front, issues include government surveillance, censorship, and the misuse of data for political gain. Governments may employ surveillance systems to monitor citizens, ostensibly for security but at the risk of infringing on civil liberties and privacy rights (Lyon, 2018). Furthermore, the use of big data analytics and social media platforms to influence public opinion poses significant political challenges. Alleged election interference and dissemination of misinformation highlight how data-driven tools can undermine democratic processes (Tucker et al., 2018). The regulation of information flow, managing cyber threats, and ensuring data sovereignty are also critical political concerns tied to information systems.
Most Adverse Impact and Management Strategies
Among these issues, the most potentially damaging is the mishandling of personal data, leading to privacy breaches and loss of public trust. If not managed responsibly, such breaches can result in legal penalties, financial losses, and damage to organizational reputation. To mitigate these risks, organizations should adopt comprehensive data governance frameworks, enforce strict security protocols, and ensure compliance with privacy laws like GDPR and HIPAA (European Commission, 2018). Transparency in data practices and fostering a culture of ethics in data management are essential for maintaining stakeholder confidence and organizational resilience.
In conclusion, ethical, social, and political issues associated with information systems are complex and interrelated. Addressing these challenges requires proactive policies, ethical practices, and ongoing education to promote responsible handling of data. Organizations that prioritize ethical standards and transparency can better navigate the digital age's intricacies, safeguarding their reputation and fostering trust among users and stakeholders alike.
References
- European Commission. (2018). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection_en
- Floridi, L. (2016). The ethics of data and the data of ethics. The Philosophical Quarterly, 66(263), 546-561.
- Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.
- Lyon, D. (2018). Surveillance Society: Monitoring Everyday Life. Open University Press.
- Selwyn, N. (2019). Digital Colonialism: The Political Economy of the Digital Divide. Digital Society Review, 10(2), 45-62.
- Sharma, M., & Singh, R. (2018). Data Security and Privacy Concerns in Information Systems. International Journal of Computer Applications, 182(24), 12-16.
- Tucker, J. A., et al. (2018). Social Media, Political Polarization, and Political Misinformation. PNAS, 115(37), 9216–9220.