Our digital lives are deeply connected with technology companies and social media platforms. We share photos, opinions, and personal information every day. But what are the ethical rules that should govern this digital world? Who is responsible for protecting our data and ensuring the information we see is accurate? In this lesson, we will explore some of the most pressing ethical debates in technology today. You will learn key vocabulary and grammar to build strong arguments and participate in a formal debate.
Wired Minds
Exploring the ethics of our digital world.
Goal
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to synthesize vocabulary and ideas to construct and deliver short, persuasive arguments about ethical issues in media and technology.
Vocabulary: Key Terms for the Debate
To argue effectively about technology ethics, you need the right words. Let's review some essential vocabulary. Pay attention to how these words are used in the example sentences, as they will be crucial for our debate.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Censorship (n.) | The act of suppressing or prohibiting any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. | If social media platforms engage in censorship, they might be accused of limiting free speech. |
| Transparency (n.) | The quality of being easy to perceive or understand; the practice of sharing information openly. | For users to trust a company, there must be transparency in how their data is used. |
| Surveillance (n.) | The close observation of a person or group, especially one under suspicion or a group of people in general. | Many people are concerned about government surveillance through online activities. |
| Consent (n.) | Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. | Unless users give their explicit consent, companies should not be allowed to sell their personal data. |
| Misinformation (n.) | False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive. | The spread of misinformation online can have serious consequences for society. |
Grammar Focus: Conditionals and Logical Connectors
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