With well over 4 billion people and counting making up the global digital sphere, the internet has now become a sub-ecosystem for humans in the 21st century. Business activities, academic programs, professional meetings, and almost all other human activities that characterize the physical environment can be alternatively done online and efficiently.
As kids, we were taught several behavioral rules to help improve our social interactions and promote a responsible outlook in our physical environment; these rules are called ethics for living or simply ‘etiquettes.’ Unfortunately, little attention is given to our behavioral patterns and responses in the digital world. People are simply not taught netiquette in schools, at home, and in society.
This gap in etiquette education has seen an improved responsible society but a more irresponsible e-society.
So, what are the rules of netiquette? And what does it mean? We’ll find out shortly.
What is Netiquette
The word ‘Netiquette’ is coined from two different words, ‘network’ and ‘etiquette,’ and it simply means the use and display of good and ethical manners while on the internet. In other words, it is the ‘internet etiquette,’ sometimes called the “internet rules.” The idea of netiquette is to develop proper communication and mutual respect among internet users and also promote proper and rational use of the internet.
Why it is important to observe good netiquette
While most people understand physically abusive actions and what constitutes impropriety and ill-mannered acts offline, the same cannot be said for online interactions. A study revealed that 95 percent of online abuse was intended as a joke. Popular opinion also has it that many people are not fully aware of what constitutes online copyright infringement, and thus, they engage in it ignorantly. These findings validate the fact that most people need to be taught proper online etiquette or netiquette.
Our online profiles, or personality, has become a yardstick for assessing competence and responsibility. In 2017, Harvard reportedly rescinded the admission of 10 students for displaying unethical behaviors online. This is just one among numerous repercussions precipitated by the lack of proper netiquette.
Rules of netiquette.
There are no specifically defined rules of netiquette; however, the use of the internet and duty of care owed to our neighbor, whether offline or online, requires that we act reasonably at all times. Below are the 12 most important netiquette rules to observe.
- Treat others as you would love to be treated.
One of the most fundamental rules in human interaction is to treat others with the same respect and kindness that you would expect for yourself. This golden rule is not only applicable to online communication but extends to all forms of social interaction. It has been a core principle upheld by various traditional and religious societies for many years, and its effectiveness in fostering healthy and harmonious relationships cannot be overstated. Treating others as we would like to be treated creates a world where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected.
- Apply the same standards online that you would offline.
This rule is a fundamental pillar of netiquette, and it’s all about treating people with respect and consideration in the digital realm, just as you would in face-to-face interactions.
Think about it this way: When you’re offline, you naturally follow certain social norms and expectations. You wouldn’t barge into a conversation and start shouting your opinions, insulting someone, or invading their personal space without permission, right? The same principles apply online.
One key aspect of this rule is courtesy. Being polite and respectful should be a given, whether you’re emailing, chatting in a social media group, or participating in an online discussion. Remember that there’s a real person on the other end of that screen who may be affected by your words and actions.
Remember, the internet is a vast and diverse space with people from all walks of life. Applying the same standards online as you do offline not only makes the internet a more pleasant place but also helps you build positive relationships and avoid unnecessary conflicts. So, next time you’re about to hit send on that comment or message, take a moment to think: “Would I say or do this in a face-to-face conversation?” If the answer is no, you might want to reconsider.
- Do not share false and unsubstantiated information online.
Imagine you’re at a dinner party, chatting with friends. You wouldn’t want to blurt out unverified, potentially harmful rumors, right? Well, the same principle applies online, and it’s even more critical because your words can reach a global audience in seconds.
First, consider the consequences. When you share false or unverified information online, it can spread like wildfire. That innocent post you thought was amusing or shocking might actually harm someone’s reputation or even incite panic in certain situations. Remember the old saying, “With great power comes great responsibility”? Well, the internet has given us tremendous power to communicate; we must use it wisely.
Now, think about your own online credibility. Sharing false information can damage your reputation. People might question your judgment or reliability if you continually post things that turn out to be untrue. It’s like crying wolf too many times; when you have something genuinely important to say, people might not take you seriously.
Moreover, we live in a time where misinformation and fake news are rampant. An online survey carried out in the UK showed that the majority of people encounter false news online at least once a week. It was further revealed that there are about 200 million false news engagements on Facebook monthly.
By sharing unverified information, you contribute to this problem. It’s like tossing another log onto an already blazing fire. We all have a responsibility to combat the spread of misinformation and help build a more informed online community.
- Respect other people’s thoughts and opinions.
It’s essential to remember that the internet is a diverse space with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This diversity extends to thoughts and opinions as well. So, when engaging in online discussions, whether it’s on social media, forums, or even in emails, it’s vital to approach conversations with an open mind.
One key aspect of respecting others’ thoughts and opinions is to avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions about someone based on their viewpoint. People may have different perspectives due to their unique life experiences, values, or beliefs. Rather than dismissing their opinions outright, try to understand where they’re coming from. Ask clarifying questions if necessary to gain a deeper insight into their perspective.
Constructive criticism is acceptable, but it should be offered in a respectful and considerate manner. If you find yourself in a disagreement, focus on discussing the ideas and arguments presented rather than attacking the person behind them. Use polite language and avoid resorting to insults or personal attacks, as these behaviors can escalate conflicts and create a hostile online environment.
- Express yourself humbly and responsibly.
When we say “express yourself humbly,” we mean that you should convey your thoughts, opinions, and ideas with a degree of modesty and respect for others. In online discussions, it’s easy for people to misinterpret your tone or intentions, so it’s crucial to be mindful of how you come across. Using a friendly and respectful tone, avoiding aggressive language, and being open to other perspectives are all ways to achieve this.
On the other hand, being “responsible” in your expression means taking ownership of what you say online. It’s tempting to hide behind the relative anonymity of the internet and make comments or statements without considering their impact. However, practicing responsible expression means considering the consequences of your words. Remember that what you say online can have a lasting impact on others, and it can come back to haunt you in the future. So, think before you post, share, or comment.
Netiquette isn’t about limiting your freedom of expression but rather about creating a positive and respectful online environment.
- Read and re-read your intended post.
It’s always wise to take a moment and think carefully before commenting, posting, or responding to someone online. Rushed statements or reactions can often lead to regret and unintended hurt.
Additionally, even seemingly harmless comments may be unethical or inappropriate upon closer examination. By taking the time to review and consider our words before sharing them with the world, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure that our online interactions are respectful and positive.
The idea HERE is simple: Take a moment to review what you’re about to share. Here are more reasons why it matters:
- Clarity: Sometimes, in the rush of typing or tapping away on our keyboards, we might make typos or use unclear language. Reading your post again helps you catch those errors and refine your message, making sure others easily understand it.
- Tone and Respect: Online communication can be tricky because it lacks tone of voice and body language. A sentence that seems harmless to you might come across as rude or offensive to someone else. By reviewing your post, you can assess its tone and ensure it aligns with the respectful and positive communication you want to maintain.
- Accuracy: Accuracy is key if you’re sharing information, especially in a professional or educational context. Double-check your facts and figures to avoid spreading misinformation.
- Emotional Response: In the heat of the moment, we might type out something we regret later. Taking a moment to re-read your post gives you a chance to reconsider if you’re posting out of anger or frustration. It’s often better to wait until you’ve cooled down to respond.
- Context: Online conversations can evolve quickly, and new information can come to light. Reviewing your post ensures it’s still relevant and appropriate within the context of the ongoing discussion.
- Grammar and Spelling: Typos and grammatical errors can make your message harder to understand and detract from your credibility. A quick proofread can catch these issues.
- Do not engage in cyber-fights.
Not everybody online understands the rules of netiquette, so while you are trying to maintain proper online ethics, someone else may try to break every netiquette rule there is. It’s not in your place to indulge them.
Always try to avoid provocative acts and comments that incite you to act irrationally.
So, how do you deal with disagreements or conflicting opinions online? First, take a deep breath and remember that not every disagreement needs to turn into a fight. You can:
- Stay calm: Keep your emotions in check and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.
- Be respectful: Treat others with respect, even if you strongly disagree with them.
- Use private messages: If a conversation is becoming too heated, consider taking it to private messages, where you can have a more constructive dialogue.
- Know when to walk away: Sometimes, it’s best to disengage and walk away from an argument if it’s not going anywhere productive.
- Do not engage in copyright infringement.
Always acknowledge and attribute the sources of information or content you use. Refrain from using pirated applications and software to avoid the necessary fees. Many developers provide free versions of their paid apps, so opting for the free option may provide you with what you need.
So, when you’re online, remember that sharing content is fantastic, but it’s equally important to respect the rules and rights of content creators. Here’s some netiquette wisdom for you:
- Ask for Permission: If you want to use someone else’s content, reach out to them and ask for permission. They might be flattered that you liked their work and be happy to let you use it with proper credit.
- Give Credit Where It’s Due: When you do use someone’s content with their permission, always give them credit. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, thanks for letting me use this!”
- Use Creative Commons: There are some resources like Creative Commons that offer content that you can use with certain conditions. Just make sure you understand those conditions and follow them.
- Don’t Assume Anything is Fair Game: Just because something is on the internet doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking. Always assume that content is protected by copyright unless stated otherwise.
- Educate Yourself: Take some time to understand copyright laws in your country. They can vary, but knowing the basics can help you navigate the digital world more responsibly.
- Be professional when you need to.
It’s important to avoid making everything seem trivial when engaging in online conversations. This means refraining from using emoticons, slang, and informal language. It’s best to carefully evaluate your audience or respondent before deciding whether to adopt a formal or informal tone.
It’s generally advisable to maintain a strictly formal tone unless you’re communicating with close friends or relatives.
- Act in honesty and good faith.
According to recent reports, 28% of all business transactions take place online nowadays. This means that the Internet has become a central hub for conducting high-value business transactions. Therefore, it’s extremely important to act responsibly and in a manner consistent with the expectations of those who entrust you with their hard-earned money or valuable assets. Trust is a precious commodity, and once lost, it’s not easily regained. The consequences of breaching someone’s trust can be severe and far-reaching for both parties. So, always act with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of accountability when handling other people’s money or property.
- Respect people’s privacy
One of the most common ways to violate this rule is by sharing personal information without someone’s consent. Whether it’s their email address, phone number, or even their social media profile, sharing someone else’s personal details can lead to all sorts of problems, from spam to harassment.
Another aspect of respecting privacy in the digital realm is refraining from stalking or cyberbullying. Just because we’re online doesn’t mean we can ignore the basic principles of empathy and kindness.
Additionally, when communicating in online forums, chat rooms, or social media, be cautious about sharing someone else’s private messages or personal content. If someone trusted you with a private message, it’s your responsibility to keep it confidential unless they’ve explicitly given you permission to share it.
It’s also important to be mindful of tagging or mentioning others in posts or photos. Not everyone may want their image or name associated with a particular conversation or event. Always seek consent before involving others in your online activities.
In essence, treating others with respect online means recognizing and honoring their digital boundaries, just as you would in face-to-face interactions.
- Don’t spam
Spamming in cyberspace involves sending unsolicited, often irrelevant, and sometimes downright annoying messages or content to a large number of people. It’s like the annoying messages you find in your mailbox. Nobody likes it.
So, why is spam a no-no in the realm of netiquette? First, it’s an invasion of someone’s digital personal space. People use the internet for various reasons, be it work, socializing, or relaxation. Nobody wants their experience interrupted by a flood of unwanted advertisements, phishing attempts, or irrelevant messages.
Spamming can also be harmful. It can spread malware, viruses, or scams. Clicking on that tempting but sketchy link in a spam email could lead to trouble, and nobody wants that.
Spamming shows a lack of consideration for others and can result in you being blocked or reported, which is not the kind of online reputation you want to build.
To wrap up
Netiquette, or digital etiquette, is crucial in fostering positive online relationships and maintaining a respectful digital environment. By adhering to netiquette rules, you can navigate the digital world with grace and contribute to a more pleasant and respectful online community. Remember, your online behavior reflects who you are, so make it a point to be the best digital version of yourself.