Lying in online social networks: a bug or a feature
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society
ISSN: 1477-996X
Article publication date: 17 July 2023
Issue publication date: 7 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Online social networks can bridge the gap between distant individuals by simulating online experiences that closely resemble physical interactions. While people have positive experiences, such as joy, in a physical relationship and would like to enjoy those experiences online, they also have negative experiences, such as being subject to a lie. An online social network may allow users to lie to simulate a real-world social group better. However, lying must be prevented on social networks as unethical behavior. Thus, this study aims to investigate an ethical dilemma raised due to the two abovementioned perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines different aspects of lying in social networks, using a comprehensive descriptive literature review approach and a classification scheme.
Findings
Contrary to their initial intent, social networks are disrupting the traditional notion of human interaction, either by disregarding the presence of dishonesty or by attempting to regulate relationships. In this research, the authors examine the challenges of these two perspectives by identifying enablers, consequences and control measures of lying on social networks at the individual, social and technological levels. The authors also develop a framework to facilitate investigating this dilemma.
Originality/value
This paper examines a controversial topic. Although lying is unethical, allowing users to lie may be considered an appealing feature of social network platforms. This paper offers a framework to propose several research directions for future studies. This study’s examination focuses on the challenges associated with deception on social networks, prompting the formulation of three crucial questions regarding the potential impact of technology on such behavior.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declarations: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Erratum: It has come to the attention of the publisher that the article, Maddah, M. and Esmaeilzadeh, P. (2023), “Lying in online social networks: a bug or a feature”, Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-04-2023-0050, incorrectly stated the city in which author Esmaeilzadeh, P.’s institution is based.
Esmaeilzadeh, P.’s affiliation was listed as “Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA” and should be “Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA”.
This error was introduced in the editorial process and has now been corrected in the online version. The publisher sincerely apologises for this error and for any inconvenience caused.
Citation
Maddah, M. and Esmaeilzadeh, P. (2023), "Lying in online social networks: a bug or a feature", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 438-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-04-2023-0050
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited