Intellectual Freedom, the Right to Free Inquiry, and Digital Privacy

Abstract

The extensive use of the internet and digital technology in the workplace, including universities, has transformed the work style of employees, faculty members, and students. On the one hand, it has helped employees communicate, coordinate, and collaborate on a 24/7 basis around the world, which in turn has improved productivity and work performance. However, on the other hand, it has made employees vulnerable to monitoring and invasion of privacy. Many faculty members and students feel that surveillance and computer monitoring are compromising their intellectual freedom, the right to free inquiry, and digital privacy. This study addresses how the use of computer monitoring affects the morale and performance of faculty members and students for their intellectual and free inquiry. The study uses the survey method to interview professors and students to analyze their responses with regards to monitoring their online activities.