>> I think cheating is one of the signs of the crumbling of our civilized society. I think cheating is a sign of an over emphasis or overly large focus on exte

>> I think cheating is one of the signs of the crumbling of our civilized society. I think cheating is a sign of an over emphasis or overly large focus on external motivators (or artificial targets) rather than on things that actually matter[1]. People are much less likely to cheat on things that they directly care about or are based in tangible reality. With all else removed, cheating is a great way of meeting the target. A grade on a test in a boring course is a perfect example of an artificial target that creates an unhealthy imbalance in a students' mind. Since the knowledge itself (or the growth potential from the course) is perceived as irrelevant or non-existent, the only thing left to care about is the grade, and so all else becomes removed... [1] Ie. Over industrialization or standardization.