Ethical Technology Use

Grade 8 · Technology · Study Guide

An exploration of responsible, respectful, and safe behavior when using digital technology.

Technology gives us powerful tools to communicate, learn, and create — but with that power comes responsibility. Ethical technology use means making choices that are honest, respectful, and considerate of others in digital spaces.

One major area of digital ethics is privacy. Personal data — like your name, location, and browsing habits — is collected by many apps and websites. Understanding what data is collected and who can access it helps you protect yourself and others.

Cyberbullying is another serious concern. Online communication can feel anonymous, but hurtful messages cause real harm. Ethical digital citizens treat others online the same way they would face to face.

Intellectual property and copyright are also part of ethical technology use. Music, images, videos, and written content belong to their creators. Copying or sharing these without permission can be both unethical and illegal.

Finally, screen time and digital well-being matter. Balancing time online with offline activities, recognizing when technology is being used to manipulate emotions (like in social media algorithms), and thinking critically about the information we consume are all part of being a responsible digital citizen.

Key terms

Digital Citizenship
Responsible and ethical behavior when using technology and participating in online communities.
Privacy
The right to control who can access your personal information and data.
Cyberbullying
Using digital technology to repeatedly harm, harass, or intimidate another person.
Copyright
A legal right that protects creators by giving them control over how their work is used.
Algorithm
In social media, a set of rules that determines what content users see, often designed to maximize engagement.
Digital Footprint
The trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet or digital devices.

Flashcards

Digital Citizenship
Responsible, ethical participation in online communities and technology use.
Cyberbullying
Using technology to repeatedly harm or harass another person.
Privacy
The right to control who accesses your personal information.
Copyright
Legal protection giving creators control over how their work is used.
Digital Footprint
The data trail left whenever you use the internet.
Algorithm
Rules that determine what content appears in your social media feed.
Intellectual Property
Creative work — art, music, writing — that belongs to its creator by law.
Screen Time
The amount of time spent using digital devices; important to balance with offline activities.

Questions

  1. Which of the following is an example of cyberbullying?

    1. Sending a friend a funny meme
    2. Posting embarrassing photos of someone without their permission to humiliate them
    3. Playing an online multiplayer game
    4. Sharing a public news article
    Show answer

    Answer: Posting embarrassing photos of someone without their permission to humiliate them

    Posting embarrassing photos to humiliate someone is a classic example of cyberbullying — it causes real emotional harm even if done digitally.

  2. You can freely use any image you find on the internet without checking the copyright.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Most images online are protected by copyright. You must check for a Creative Commons license or get permission before using them.

  3. The trail of data you leave behind when using the internet is called your digital ______.

    Show answer

    Answer: footprint

    A digital footprint is the collection of data generated by your online activities — searches, posts, purchases, and more.

  4. What does copyright protect?

    1. Only physical artwork
    2. Only published books
    3. Creators' rights over how their original work is used
    4. Government documents and public records
    Show answer

    Answer: Creators' rights over how their original work is used

    Copyright law protects creators' rights across many formats: music, images, writing, video, and software.

  5. Social media algorithms are designed primarily to show users the most accurate and unbiased information.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Social media algorithms are engineered to maximize user engagement and time on the platform, which can mean prioritizing emotionally charged or sensational content over accurate information.

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