Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture

The Role of Information Ethics in Students' Information-Seeking Behavior in the Virtual Environment With Emphasis on Two Components: "censorship" and "Freedom of Access to Information"

Document Type : .

Authors

soraya ziaei 1
Faezeh Delghandi 2
solmaz noori 3

1 Associate Professor; Department of Information Science and Knowledge; Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor; Department of Information Science and Knowledge; Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

3 PhD.students, Payame Noor university,tehran,iran.

10.30465/ismc.2025.51582.2941
Abstract
This study examines the reciprocal impact of "censorship and restrictions" and "freedom of access" on students’ information-seeking behavior in virtual environments, drawing on Wilson’s information behavior theory and Floridi’s information ethics. A qualitative approach using grounded theory was adopted, with data analyzed from 23 semi-structured interviews with humanities faculty members. Findings indicate that freedom of access often leads to reliance on unethical sources and misinformation, while a lack of moral awareness contributes to literary misconduct and incorrect citations. An interpretive theoretical analysis yields a conceptual model emphasizing the integration of ethical values at each stage of information seeking. The study concludes that bolstering open access infrastructures and fostering ethically-oriented information literacy can enhance research quality and elevate educational standards in universities. This research offers a framework for promoting ethical information practices in academic contexts.

Keywords

Information ethics
Information-seeking behavior
censorship
Freedom of access to information
Virtual environment
Students

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