Why Cheating Is Wrong

The basic idea of cheating immediately brings you back to being a kid when you are told cheating is wrong. Weather your cheating to win a game or pass a test it has consequences. However the consequences of cheating may not always be clear or immediate. For many cheating of any form is seen as wrong. However cheating always seems to be a topic up for debate. For some cheating is accepted as natural. One defense we often hear is “everyone else is doing it”. While others claim regardless of the reason behind it, cheating is always wrong.

An athlete who chooses to take performance enhancing drugs may doubt his own abilities. The pressure on athletes to win games or perform at a certain level can be over whelming. Fans, family, friends, owners

and sponsors have expectations that can be hard for an athlete to live up too. The idea of living up to those expectations can sometimes outweigh the possible consequence an athlete may face. Many athletes have the idea that winning is everything and that is what drives them to succeed regardless of the cost. An athlete caught cheating can lose sponsors, awards, contracts, fans and in some cases their career. These consequences may be too much for some to risk but to others losing can be a much worse result.
As a politician cheating may lead to winning an election, getting campaign funds or even getting bills and laws passed. The result may be satisfactory until their cheating comes to light and the consequences are clear. Politicians not only put their reputation on the line but also their freedom. Cheating in politics can often lead to jail time and fines. Yet politics are still well known for unethical practices.
In today’s society a cheater in any form can be up for public ridicule in a matter of minutes. Once a story breaks it is often shared countless times on social media. Millions of people use social media on a daily basis. Some of the popular topics include sports, politics and celebrities. Nobody is safe from the web of social media. A public figure caught cheating in any form will be slammed with ridicule. Fans often change their opinion of an athlete or public figure once the truth of their abilities is made public. Very few supporters will stand up for a cheater on public display. Those caught cheating usually have a different opinion once all is said and done. It is clear that the majority agree that cheating is wrong. Yet once they are in the situation where cheating seems like the best option they may have a different view.