Interview with the Author
Q & A with Dan Lohrmann
Q: How are ethical and moral lines being increasingly blurred in cyberspace, even by well-meaning Web users?
Lohrmann: The Internet provides an unlimited number of new possibilities in both positive and negative directions at the same time. People rename sinful or unethical behaviors in cyberspace. Plagiarism becomes “copying text.” Stealing becomes “downloading files.” Lying becomes “protecting yourself.” As these terms are inappropriately merged together, the lines between right and wrong become harder to recognize.
Q: How do you define “integrity theft”?
Lohrmann: Everyone is aware of the dangers associated with identity theft. “Integrity theft” is similar. But rather than your money or personal information being at risk from unseen hackers, it is your reputation, your career, or your important relationships that are threatened by online temptations to do wrong. As we surf the Internet, we are offered intriguing images, videos, and other content that vie for our thoughts, dreams, time, and money. We are enticed to act against our professed values and beliefs. While identity theft and integrity theft are both tragic, it is easier to repair your credit history than your reputation.
Q: Why is filtering software not enough for online protection?
Lohrmann: While Web filters are important for young children, most parental controls can be easily bypassed or turned off and many filters are not administered effectively at home or work. Addressing lasting integrity requires that we go much further and look at heart issues, personal values, our habits, and the accountability processes we put in place. Moving forward, we need to rethink our entire approach to dealing with all types of online temptations that are embedded within popular Web sites.
Q: How has surfing the Web while at work become an ethical issue and what advice do you give to avoid career pitfalls?
Lohrmann: I’ve seen people sacrifice a lifetime devoted to their profession in exchange for a brief online experience. Considering hot trends like telecommuting, personal and professional life now flow together as never before. I urge honesty of online identity, self-examination, transparency, and answering probing questions like: What if my boss or company president knew everything I did online? Will I view my surfing habits as positive or negative five years from now? How can I help others who have gone astray?
Q: How has Web marketing tracked and targeted web users?
Lohrmann: When we go online, Web designers know where our eyes are drawn and what appeals to various audiences. “Tempting the click” has become a science. Most popular Web sites have become very good at keeping track of who’s clicking and what. Using the information we provide in our personal profiles or hidden software called “cookies” and other tracking techniques, Internet portals can personalize what we see. Oftentimes, we are tempted to click on items that lead us down the primrose path. We end up somewhere we never intended to visit five minutes earlier.
Q: What is a “Google Rep” and what does it have to say about one’s presence online?
Lohrmann: Your “Google Rep” is your Internet reputation, and the Net has a great memory. So the online content about us, Web logs (blogs), pictures, some social interactions, and more are often available via a Google search. Just go to Google.com or your favorite search engine and type your name and see what comes up. Again, this can be good or bad thing for you—depending on what you find. Most employers now check your “Google Rep” during the hiring process. Remember that even your company and church have a “Google Rep” that they want to uphold or improve.
Q: What kind of helpful technology do you recommend for aiding our pursuit of online integrity?
Lohrmann: You can apply Web filters, adjust security and privacy settings on browsers, ensure that you use safe search features (available for free at sites like Google) and apply accountability software such as “Covenant Eyes” to keep things working effectively. The Internet is very complex with no simple fixes to stop temptations for surfers. I discuss the future of the Internet in the final two chapters of the book with some exciting new technologies and “what if” approaches that may help.