Shifting Contexts in the Digital Age: Ethical Implications and the Snowden Case

Introduction

This presentation will discuss how the contexts, such as value systems, social perspectives, and our means of evaluating issues of communication in our current digital era, are often contingent upon closer examination of our post 9/11 reality. By using the example of the Snowden case, I seek to prove that there are myriad socio-cultural concerns to take into account when analyzing Snowden’s motives as well as the practices of the NSA.

Thesis statement: The rise of mass media and communication in the digital age has brought about a new context by which we understand ethical issues such as privacy that can be exemplified by the Snowden case; therefore, in order to fully comprehend the shifting reality and the implications of technology used by agencies like the NSA, we must identify the means by which such a case can be evaluated.

Communication

Communication via technology has both positive and negative implications. While cheap, easy communication on a global scale is certainly something to appreciate and marvel at, there are consequences that come as the result of security and privacy concerns.

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