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→‎Ethical Considerations: Deleted original submission and created new one with expanded information. Dr. Lucas was cited in original submission.
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(→‎Ethical Considerations: Deleted original submission and created new one with expanded information. Dr. Lucas was cited in original submission.)
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==Ethical Considerations==
==Ethical Considerations==
Technical writing in the digital age must be done with certain ethical considerations in mind. Dr. Gerald R. Lucas, Ph.D., is an English professor at Middle Georgia State University and specializes in digital media. In his book, ''Technical Writing in the Digital Age: A Coursebook'', he elaborates upon the ethical considerations. Says Dr. Lucas, "Technical writers must uphold ethical standards, which include accurately representing information, giving proper credit to sources, and avoiding plagiarism. This is particularly important in scientific and academic writing, where credibility and intellectual integrity are paramount."<ref>Lucas, Gerald (September 14, 2023). "Defining Technical Writing" ''From Reading to Writing A Composition FAQ Textbook.'' Retrieved October 7, 2023. [https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Technical_Writing#cite_ref-1<nowiki>]</nowiki></ref>
Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.<ref name=":0">Markel, Mike. ''Technical Communication''. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, Boston, 2009. p.22-25.</ref>
 
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.<ref name=":0" /> The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.
 
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization is selling are safe and effective.<ref name=":0" />
 
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. Technical communicators are obligated to alert their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Disposal of hazardous waste is far more costly than dumping it. Organizations could be tempted to skirt the legal procedures.<ref name=":0" />
 
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world’s oldest professional association dedicated to the advancement of the field of technical communication.<ref>“About STC.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 19 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ www.stc.org/about-stc/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref> The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.<ref>“Ethical Principles.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 20 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref>


=== Disinformation ===
=== Disinformation ===
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