analysis on cyber-bullying for Christian Ethics class
I. Analysis
A. Approaches
1. Utilitarian Approach
One ethical approach that could be used in terms of cyber-bullying would be Utilitarianism. This particular approach promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Cyber-bullying is a very extensive form of bullying because it’s not only a matter of 10-50 people, but we are talking about thousands of people who can see and who can spread a certain topic. If we say that what we should do with people depends only on the quantity of total desire that results from each mode of action to take, then cyber-bullying, in a 1 vs 10 context, will be justifiable. If there is one fat girl who posts a picture of herself in the internet and her 10 “friends” like to bully her, then, according to utilitarianism, they have the moral right to do whatever they want to her - the total desire is clearly positive if we measure the pleasure of 10 people and the pain of one person. But how about the one girl? What happens to her then? Her perspective will be considered immaterial in utilitarian approach because she is outnumbered.
2. Teleological Approach
Another ethical approach that could be used in terms of cyber-bullying would be the teleological approach. Teleological approach is characterized primarily by a focus on the consequences which any action might have. In a literal sense, telos meaning end and logos meaning science, making it the science of end. Thus, in order to make correct moral choices, we have to have some understanding of what will result from our choices. When we make choices which result in the correct consequences, then we are acting morally. When we make choices which result in the incorrect consequences, then we are acting immorally. Cyber-bullying, by definition, refers to any “use of Internet, cell phones, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person (Ruedy, 2008).” Generally, cyber-bullying, in this approach, is not justifiable because
A. Approaches
1. Utilitarian Approach
One ethical approach that could be used in terms of cyber-bullying would be Utilitarianism. This particular approach promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Cyber-bullying is a very extensive form of bullying because it’s not only a matter of 10-50 people, but we are talking about thousands of people who can see and who can spread a certain topic. If we say that what we should do with people depends only on the quantity of total desire that results from each mode of action to take, then cyber-bullying, in a 1 vs 10 context, will be justifiable. If there is one fat girl who posts a picture of herself in the internet and her 10 “friends” like to bully her, then, according to utilitarianism, they have the moral right to do whatever they want to her - the total desire is clearly positive if we measure the pleasure of 10 people and the pain of one person. But how about the one girl? What happens to her then? Her perspective will be considered immaterial in utilitarian approach because she is outnumbered.
2. Teleological Approach
Another ethical approach that could be used in terms of cyber-bullying would be the teleological approach. Teleological approach is characterized primarily by a focus on the consequences which any action might have. In a literal sense, telos meaning end and logos meaning science, making it the science of end. Thus, in order to make correct moral choices, we have to have some understanding of what will result from our choices. When we make choices which result in the correct consequences, then we are acting morally. When we make choices which result in the incorrect consequences, then we are acting immorally. Cyber-bullying, by definition, refers to any “use of Internet, cell phones, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person (Ruedy, 2008).” Generally, cyber-bullying, in this approach, is not justifiable because