4/20: Internet Affects Views on Plagiarism

Has the Internet made it more or less acceptable for a person to use and claim another person’s work as his or her own?

©istockphoto.com/f4f

©istockphoto.com/f4f

Most Americans believe the Internet has had an impact on the way they view the practice of plagiarism.  According to the latest national Marist Poll, half of residents say the technology makes it less acceptable while 35% believe it makes it more acceptable.  Just 8% think the Internet has had no impact on the acceptability of plagiarism, and 7% are unsure.

There is a slight generation gap on this question.  A majority of Americans under the age of 45 — 52% — think the Internet makes it less acceptable to claim another person’s work as his or her own.  48% of those 45 and older agree.

Table: Internet’s Effect on Views Toward Plagiarism

Marist Poll Methodology