Deviance and the internet

Psychology - Deviance and the Internet

Deviance and the Internet

Deviance is the act or behavior of one, which is out of the context of a social, professional, or other perceived norm. Deviance can be attributed to an individual in correlation to a variety of different categories. In terms of technological based applications and communications, deviance can be ever-present and continually apparent. The internet is a prime example of an area where deviance is displayed. The internet has a plethora of different aspects where one would be full capable of taking advantage of a deviant behavior, act, or expression. The internet allows for individuals to communication in many ways with others who are or will be engaged in internet activity. There are areas where chatting with numerous individuals is possible. There are ways of obtaining information about nearly every conceivable matter. The internet allows an almost unending expanse of open availability to anyone that connects to it. Deviance and the internet are uniquely connected in such expansive ways that the consideration of the two is significant enough to substantiate a concise and in-depth look into the problems that lay within their entire concept.

Search Engine Results:

In searching the internet, I utilized the search options available through Google. Using the phrase; "Cheating, Essays and the Internet," an abundance of websites were displayed with what seems to be an unending source of information about students cheating through the use of the internet and services provided on the internet. An amazing amount of sites also appeared through this search that specifically offered cheating with their essays. There were sites, such as www.gate.netoffering free downloadable essays. There were also sites, such as www.***.comthat charged for essays of any type or subject. All of these sites - free or by fee - offered complete assistance to students looking to have a project finished for them. They claim that no subject, length, or content is beyond their availability. Each site indicated a procedure for obtaining the information from the student in order to provide full on cheating for their assignment.

Who Is Cheating?

Based on the cost of some of these services, I would assume that the individuals that are taking advantage of such services are more likely to be of a higher middle-class to upper-class descent because of the financial availability normally unseen among students of lower-class's and less fortunate situations. I would also attribute the use of these services to be more commonly found among students that are not on higher levels of education, such as doctorates, Master's students, or higher ranking Ivy-League students. However, the students within these contexts are, in my opinion, the ones who are more likely to be caught when they do utilize such services simply because of the level of demand that is required of students at this level. This type of cheating may also be more commonly found among athletes who have much lower academic achievement, but must sustain a higher intellect in their academics in order to continue their athletics. A simple reason behind some of this cheating may be due to poor public education or because of too much focus on social activities.

Personal Experience:

Cheating can be identified in many ways. I have never personally had anyone attempt to conspire cheating with me. I have heard of students in the same class utilizing the information provided from students who have previously completed the class in order to excel their achievement. If these groups or students are doing nothing more than studying together on the content of the class, I would not label this as cheating. However, there is a fine line between helping and giving. I would define cheating as the act of one who is taking wrongful advantage of a situation by ignoring the rules and commencing in any fashion for their own gain.