Morality on the Internet
A very interesting survey done in November by UMR of 1,000 adult NZers about morality on the Internet. I blog most of the findings below. It is important to remember this is a poll of all NZers, not just of Internet users.
Respondents were asked about eight activities and if they thought they were morally acceptable or morally wrong, regardless of legality. Morally acceptable percentages are
- A single person using Internet dating 82%
- A single person flirting online 69%
- A single person watching porn online 41%
- Watching copyrighted TV online via Youtube 31%
- A married person watching porn online without spousal knowledge 21%
- Downloading copyrighted music for free 18%
- Downloading copyrighted movies for free 13%
- Married person flirting online without spousal knowledge 6%
I think the first three are morally acceptable, but the last four are not. No 4 depends a bit on context – if that is the only way to see a TV show in your country, I don’t think it is morally unacceptable.
I’m am amazed that some people think it is morally unacceptable to use Internet dating if single.
Men in all eight categories are more likely to say something is morally acceptable. The biggest difference is with a single person watching porn online – 56% of men say morally acceptable and only 26% of women.
Age difference also pronounced. 59% of under 30s say pron watching is fine for singles, while only 17% of over 60s agree.
Also og interest is 47% of respondents said they have downloaded music files even though only 18% say it is morally acceptable.