Information domains, information ethics

Introduction. This paper begins with a discussion of information domains, a theoretical framework, which frames an examination of the ethical implications of digital technology use. The analysis focuses on two areas of concern in which moral disengagement appears to be implicated: cyberbullying and immigration. Framework. The framework consists of three "domains" for understanding the role of information in people's lives: the domain of the individual refers to the characteristics of individuals who seek, encounter, use, and otherwise interact with information. The domain of the social refers to the influences of the social contexts within which individuals live. The domain of signification refers to the broad set of representational tools and practices used to understand, embody, and communicate information. Analysis. The theoretical framework is applied to analyses of information ethics in the contexts of cyberbullying and immigration policy, and is furthered by insights derived from the philosophy of information (Feenberg, 2010; Floridi, 2014, 2017). Conclusion. Because these three domains interact with each other and function as the structure within which information has relevance in day-to-day life, analysis of how contemporary ethical norms are being re-ontologized by third order technology use (Floridi, 2014, 2017) needs to account for all three.