Connected but corrupted: Ethics lost in the digital age

As the world marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) on May 17, we are once again reminded of how far we have come in harnessing the power of communication technologies. From the first transatlantic telegraph line to today’s satellite internet, we have witnessed an extraordinary transformation in how people connect, learn, work, and live. Yet, behind this celebration of innovation lies a sobering question: Have our ethics kept up with our technology?

Despite the immense advantages of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), such as bridging geographical divides, boosting economies, and enabling instant communication, the misuse of these technologies continues to plague our digital age. Ethical decay in the digital sphere may be the most pressing concern of our time.

One of the most troubling trends we now face is the deliberate and rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 ranks misinformation and disinformation as top societal risks, capable of destabilising institutions and eroding public trust. While lies and propaganda are nothing new, ICT has exponentially magnified their reach and speed. Social media, in particular, has become a double-edged sword, empowering voices and communities on the one hand while serving as a playground for slander, fake news, and conspiracy theories on the other. A doctored video or AI-generated fake image can go viral within minutes, fooling millions and even influencing elections. What makes this more alarming is how easily these technologies are being manipulated. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), anyone can create convincing deepfakes or falsified narratives with little effort. From synthetic voices impersonating political leaders to AI-generated news articles and images, the line between reality and fabrication is blurring.

As a result, trust, which serves as the backbone of any functional society, is rapidly eroding. Citizens no longer know which sources to rely on, which information to believe, or whom to trust. The consequences are grave: growing political polarisation, public unrest sparked by online lies, and the vilification of innocent individuals based on viral misinformation. What is perhaps most disappointing is that much of this is not accidental. There are coordinated efforts to mislead, deceive, and manipulate public opinion. In a society where digital tools are easily accessible, the lack of ethical grounding makes these tools dangerous.

The problem lies not with technology but our failure to educate and enforce responsible digital behaviour. While we have succeeded in producing skilled coders, engineers, and content creators, we have fallen short in producing ethical digital citizens. Many users, especially the younger generation, are growing up in a digital environment without ever being taught how to evaluate the credibility of online content or understand the impact of spreading lies. Schools may teach computer skills but rarely include lessons in digital ethics or media literacy. Likewise, tech companies and governments have been slow to act. Content moderation remains inconsistent. Regulations are either too weak or too slow to keep pace with innovation. And while some nations have introduced laws against online slander and fake news, enforcement remains a challenge, especially when perpetrators conceal themselves behind anonymous accounts.

To celebrate WTISD truly, we must go beyond showcasing technological marvels. We must recommit ourselves to ethical digital citizenship. Several steps are essential:

1. Media and Digital Literacy Education – From schools to universities to community outreach, we must teach people how to identify false content, question sources, and avoid spreading unverified information.

2. Stronger Policies and Enforcement – Governments must collaborate with tech companies to develop legal frameworks that hold platforms and users accountable for the spread of harmful content.

3. Technological Safeguards – AI should also be part of the solution. Advanced tools can be developed to detect and flag false content, trace the origin of viral posts, and offer content verification in real time.

4. Community and Cultural Engagement – Religious leaders, educators, influencers, and civil society groups all have a role in reinforcing ethical norms in digital spaces.

The advancement of ICT is one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements, but it must be matched with equal progress in values, integrity, and civic responsibility. Otherwise, we risk creating a hyperconnected world that is more divided, misinformed, and ethically adrift than ever. In conjunction with the WTISD, let us ask what technology can do and what we should do as responsible users. The solution begins with us choosing truth over virality, integrity over popularity, and wisdom over reaction.