Ethics in Cyberspace

Dramatic evolution in the use of computers and electronic communication has presented new problems and new challenges insofar as ethical conduct is concerned. It seemed only natural that "Ethics & Behavior" should venture into cyberspace to explore some of these novel and emerging issues. Announcement of this special issue elicited an enthusiastic international response from a diverse set of contributors. Engineers, computer scientists, information systems specialists, educators, librarians, philosophers, and risk management experts joined the usual cadre of mental health professionals in submitting papers.The scope of topics addressed is as disparate as the range of interested authors. Electronic communication etiquette, electronic psychotherapy, radiation problems associated with computer use, consequences of providing and withdrawing Internet access to low income research participants, and the impact of information technology on social systems are among the themes throughout this special issue.