The Internet: a Resource and a Moral Test

Abstract

The author considers the moral aspects of using the Internet, in relation to the situation when due to the threat of coronavirus, a self-restriction regime is introduced everywhere in our country, and study switches to the so-called “udalenka” (= distance learning). In these conditions, the very essence of human-internet relations is changing. It is one thing when an ordinary user, including a university lecturer, uses Internet services for reference purposes, for business correspondence or as an opportunity to participate in absentia in scientific conferences. Another thing is when the Internet actually begins to dictate to the person the form and content of the work. The article discusses from the point of view of an ordinary computer user who is looking for an affordable, reliable resource and wants to do familiar things, in particular, to continue the learning process. Based on the example of a specific manual on working with the Moodle resource, the author emphasizes the need to harmonize the interests of all entities interacting in the Internet space. Accreditation, which several months ago was successfully passed by the university represented by the author (Herzen University) allowed participants of the educational process to acquire reliable software for interaction between them. However, in practice distance learning revealed the insecurity of a person in front of a technique that was originally intended only to help him, while the complexity of the technique should not frighten and overwhelm the user. Even for those who are not very familiar with Internet technologies, it is becoming clearer that a real struggle is unfolding for the redivision of the Internet space. Universities may become hostages of this struggle. Before it’s too late, we need to weigh and soberly correlate all the pros and cons, wealth and corrupt influence of the Internet.

Keywords

• internet
• computer
• ordinary user
• educational process
• manual
• glossary