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.

https://doi.org/10.30465/ismc.2025.51582.2941
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the role of information ethics in the information-seeking behavior of humanities students within virtual environments, focusing specifically on the dual dimensions of "censorship and content control" and "freedom of information access." Addressing a significant research gap, the study integrates Wilson’s information behavior model and Floridi’s information ethics framework to analyze how these factors jointly influence students’ academic practices. Employing a qualitative grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 faculty members from interdisciplinary fields. Thematic coding revealed that unrestricted access enhances research quality and engagement, while censorship fosters reliance on unofficial sources and increases the risk of academic misconduct. The findings underscore the necessity for robust infrastructural support and targeted ethics education to promote responsible information use. The study proposes a conceptual model to inform policy and educational strategies aimed at improving ethical information-seeking and reducing negative outcomes such as plagiarism and misinformation.
Keywords: Information ethics; Humanities students; Virtual environment; Information-seeking behavior; Censorship; Freedom of access; Grounded theory


Introduction
The rapid expansion of digital technologies and artificial intelligence has transformed the landscape of academic information-seeking, introducing new ethical challenges for students and educators alike. In the absence of a comprehensive ethical framework, academic integrity and the quality of research outputs are at risk. This study responds to the urgent need for a holistic model that addresses both the opportunities and risks associated with freedom of access and censorship in digital academic environments. By examining the interaction between these two dimensions, the research aims to provide actionable insights for universities, policymakers, and students, particularly within the context of Iranian higher education.

Materials and Methods
A qualitative research design based on grounded theory was adopted to explore the complexities of information ethics in academic settings. The study population comprised faculty members from information science, communication, media, philosophy, law, and technology departments at Iranian universities. Purposeful sampling ensured a diverse range of perspectives, with 23 participants selected for their interdisciplinary expertise and experience. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted both in-person and online. The analysis followed Strauss and Corbin’s three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding—to identify recurring themes and develop a conceptual model of ethical information-seeking behavior.

Discussion & Result
Analysis revealed that freedom of access to information significantly facilitates students’ research activities, enabling more comprehensive searches, critical evaluation, and effective use of academic resources. However, infrastructural limitations, financial constraints, and lack of evaluative skills often drive students toward unofficial or unreliable sources, compromising research quality. Conversely, censorship and content control, often justified on grounds of national security or policy, were found to restrict information flow, suppress creativity, and increase the prevalence of misinformation and academic dishonesty. The study identified key factors influencing ethical information behavior, including individual attitudes, institutional policies, and the broader socio-technical environment. Strategic recommendations include enhancing digital infrastructure, integrating ethics education into curricula, and developing transparent content management protocols.

Conclusion
The interplay between information access and censorship exerts a profound influence on the ethical information-seeking behavior of humanities students in virtual academic environments. The study’s grounded theory approach yielded a nuanced conceptual model that highlights the importance of balancing freedom and control to foster academic integrity and research excellence. Practical recommendations emphasize the need for policy reforms, targeted training, and infrastructural investments to support ethical information practices. The findings offer a valuable roadmap for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving challenges of information ethics in the digital age.

Keywords

Information ethics
Information-seeking behavior
censorship
Freedom of access to information
Virtual environment
Students
بهی­مهر، سارا؛ منصوریان، یزدان. (1397). « نقش سوگیری‌های شناختی در رفتار اطلاعاتی علمی دانشجویان تحصیلات تکمیلی دانشگاه خوارزمی». تعامل انسان و اطلاعات. دوره 5، شماره 1.
تگمارک، ماکس (1401). زندگی 0/3 انسان­بودن در عصر هوش مصنوعی. ترجمۀ میثم محمدامینی.تهران: فرهنگ نشر نو با همکاری نشر آسیم.
جعفری، زهرا؛  صباحی گراغانی، معین. (1400). «بررسی تحلیلی فیلترینگ و آزادی اطلاعات». کنفرانس بین­المللی فقه، حقوق و پژوهش­های دینی.ش.3.
جعفری فارسی، سیده زهرا؛ صباحی گراغانی، معین؛ سراجی، مصطفی. (1401). «بررسی موانع و چالش­های آزادی اطلاعات». تحقیقات حقوقی بین­المللی.دوره 15. ش.55. صص.253-272.
چناری، مهین؛ و اعظم شبستانی (1400). «پیش­بینی میزان آشنایی با اخلاق در فضای مجازی با استفاده از سواد رسانه­ای و شایستگی­های فناورانه». نشریه اخلاق در علوم و فناوری. سال 16. ش.2.
رحمتی، حسینعلی؛ شهریاری،حمید.(1396). «بایسته های اخلاقی فیلترینگ و پالایش محتوا در فضای مجازی». نشریه اخلاق وحیانی فصلنامه علوم انسانی، سال هفتم، شماره 1.
سلماسی و همکاران. (1401). «واکاوی و ارائه مدل خودسانسوری در فضای مجازی با رویکرد گرانددتئوری در ایران». ماهنامه جامعه شناسی سیاسی ایران. دوره 5، شماره 10.
شقاقی، مهدی (1400). اخلاق اطلاعات مبادی و مسائل. تهران: سمت.
شقاقی، مهدی، (1397).«تحلیل مفهومی پیش­فرض­های معرفت­شناختی نظریه «اخلاق اطلاعات»فلوریدی»، تعامل انسان و اطلاعات، جلد پنجم، شماره اول (بهار). 30-43.
شقاقی، مهدی؛ وصفی، محمدرضا؛ جوادی، محسن. (1394). «پایه­های هستی­شناختی نظریۀ اخلاق اطلاعات فلوریدی». روش­شناسی علوم انسانی. ش.85. صص. 7-29.
Abbas, zafar and […et al]. (2023). "cyber laws and media censorship in Pakistan:an investigation of governmental tactics to curtail freedom of expression and right to privacy”. Journal of creative communications. 1-14.  https://doi.org/10.1177/09732586231206913
Abbasi, I. S., & Al-Sharqi, L. (2015). “Media censorship: Freedom versus responsibility”. Academic Journals. Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution. 7(4), 21–25.
Annappa,nagarathna.(2021). “Ensuring right to freedom of speech and expression on cyber space as against state intervention – indian experience”. Revista direitos fundamentais & democracia. V 26. N.1.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.25192/issn.1982-0496.rdfd.v26i12123
Bennett,scott. (2023). “DEFINING AI ETHICAL OVERSIGHT TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM MACHINES TO HUMANS”. PHD degree.in artificial intelligence. Capitol technology university.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications
Floridi,L.(2022). Information ethics: A reboot. Philosophy &technology.(35)1.1-20. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-021-00481-8
Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. Aldine Publishing Company
Han,qing-long; ding, derui; ge,xiaohua. (2024). “Secure control and filtering for industrial metaverse”.frontiers of information technology & electronic engineering. 25 (2):179-181
Jackson,freeman augustus.(2024). The technology adoption model for cloud computing, strorytelling artificial intelligence, and the federal risk and authorization management program. PhD. School of business and technology. Aspen university. P.2.
Jacobs, mattis.(2023). A reexamination of design- and policy- oriented computer ethics: accounting for increasingly complex actor constellations and regulatory developments. Phd degree. Department of informatics. Universitat hamburg.
Jamali,hamid R;  Shahbaztabar’ pria .(2017). The effects of internet filtering on users’ information-seeking behaviour and emotions. Aslib Journal of Information Management. 17july.
Martzoukou,K.;saleh,A.G.&lavritsas,N.(2021). Development and validation of a scale to measure digital information seeking behavior of students. Journal of librarianship and information science,53(4).577-593.
   Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/31619/artificial-superintelligenceasi
Nagar, namrata.(2022). Framing TRUST in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics communication: analysis of AI ethics guiding principles through the lens of framing theory. Master of degree. College of liberal arts, rochester institute of technology.
 
Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture
Volume 15, Issue 1 - Serial Number 29
Spring and Summer 2025
December 2025
Pages 61-100

  • Receive Date 05 April 2025
  • Revise Date 12 June 2025
  • Accept Date 12 June 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us