I download everything I need. Not a lot, nor often, but occasionally when the mood strikes. For example, I downloaded a program that allows me to "unduplicate" videos I download form youtube, or my last movie, Caddyshack. here is the deal. i have what is know as natural aversion to shop lifting, etc. My "conscience" won't let me do it. Even if I can rationalize that I will get away with it, I could not steal even a candy bar. But on the internet. Nothing. Not even a twinge of remorse. Not one iota. So I do it. Am I evil, or only cyber-evil?
All I know is that as long as you steal, that is wrong and it doesn't matter whether it is in the cyber world or real world.
Is it always wrong to steal? If you had to steal some food to save 10 people of dying from starvation, what would be the right thing to do? If someone cant afford lets say photoshop and needs it to try and make a living online then I have no problem with this. Life is hard for some people. Generally speaking big companies are extremely well off. Then there are millions of people who are not. I would always be on the side of the people in need, not these companies who are rolling in thier own wealth and greed.
this is also depends. what if you stole food from people who needs it. What if you distribute the software that one guy spent months to developed. Didn't say what you think is wrong but sometime you have to think twice as well.