Connected but corrupted: Ethics lost in the digital age

New Straits Times

11-05-2025

AS the world marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17, we are once again reminded of how far we have come in harnessing the power of communication technologies.
Yet, have ethics kept up with technologies?
Despite the immense advantages that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provides—such as bridging geographical divides, boosting economies, and enabling instant communication—misuse continues to plague the digital age. Ethical decay in the digital sphere may be the most pressing concern of our time.
One of the most troubling trends we now face is the deliberate and rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2025 ranks misinformation and disinformation as top societal risks, capable of destabilising institutions and eroding public trust.
While lies and propaganda are nothing new, ICT has exponentially magnified their reach and speed. Social media, in particular, has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it empowers voices and communities. On the other hand, it serves as a playground for slander, fake news, and conspiracy theories.
A doctored video or artificial intelligence (AI)-generated fake image can go viral within minutes, fooling millions and even influencing elections. What makes this more alarming is how easily these technologies are being manipulated.
With generative AI, anyone can create convincing deepfakes or false narratives with little effort. From synthetic voices impersonating political leaders to AI-generated news articles and images, the line between reality and fabrication is blurring. As a result, trust— the backbone of any functional society—is rapidly eroding. Citizens no longer know which sources to rely on, which information to believe, or whom to trust.
The consequences are grave: growing political polarisation, public unrest sparked by online lies, and the vilification of innocent individuals based on viral misinformation.
What is perhaps most disappointing is that much of this is not accidental. There are coordinated efforts to mislead and manipulate public opinion. In a society where digital tools are easily accessible, the lack of ethical grounding makes them dangerous.
The problem lies not with technology but in our failure to educate on and enforce responsible digital behaviour. While we have succeeded in producing coders, engineers, and content creators, we have fallen short in producing ethical digital citizens.
Many users, especially the younger generation, are growing up in a digital environment without ever being taught how to evaluate the credibility of online content or understand the impact of spreading lies. Schools may teach computer skills but rarely include lessons on digital ethics or media literacy. Likewise, tech companies and governments have been slow to act. Content moderation remains inconsistent.
Regulations are either too weak or too slow to keep pace with innovation. And while some nations have introduced laws against online slander and fake news, enforcement remains a challenge, especially when perpetrators conceal themselves behind anonymous accounts.
To truly celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we must go beyond showcasing technological marvels. We must recommit ourselves to ethical digital citizenship.
Several steps are essential:
MEDIA AND DIGITAL LITERACY EDUCATION: From schools to universities to community outreach, we must teach people how to identify false content, question sources, and avoid spreading unverified information.
STRONGER POLICIES AND ENFORCEMENT: Governments must collaborate with tech companies to develop legal frameworks that hold platforms and users accountable for the spread of harmful content.
TECHNOLOGICAL SAFEGUARDS: AI should also be part of the solution. Tools can be developed to detect and flag false content, trace the origin of viral posts, and offer content verification in real time.
COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT: Religious leaders, educators, influencers, and civil society groups all have a role in reinforcing ethical norms in digital spaces.
ICT is one of humanity's greatest achievements, but it must be matched with equal progress in values, integrity, and civic responsibility. Otherwise, we risk creating a hyperconnected world that is more divided, misinformed, and ethically adrift than ever.
The solution begins with choosing truth over virality, integrity over popularity, and wisdom over reaction.