What is Netiquette?
Netiquette is a made-up word from the words net and etiquette. Netiquette thus
describes the rules of conduct for respectful and appropriate communication on
the internet.
Netiquette is often referred to as etiquette for the internet. These are not legally
binding rules, but recommended rules of etiquette. Netiquette is mostly used for
dealing with unknown people on the internet. The rules of netiquette very
depending on the platform and its participants. Generally, it is up to the operator
of a website or communication app to specify the type and scope of netiquette. It
is also their responsibility to monitor compliance with these basic rules and to
penalize violations of them.
10 netiquette rules
Bad netiquette can have severe consequences for your reputation or
interpersonal relationships. So remember – the rules of etiquette are
just as important online as they are in real life. Follow these ten rules
of netiquette to ensure smooth virtual communication.
1. Prioritize real people
Meeting a friend for lunch and giggling at your Facebook messages alone might be
annoying and even upsetting for them. Scrolling through your DMs or notifications
while they are trying to have a conversation with you may imply that you don’t
care about them.
Usually, your text messages, voicemail, chat rooms, and the rest of the online
world can wait a second. Put all the distractions away and make time for the other
person. You may never know what might come from sharing ideas in a face-to-face
conversation.
And if you’re waiting for an important call, text, or email, let your conversation
partner know beforehand and apologize for the disruption.
2. Stay considerate
To prevent inappropriate behavior on the internet, stay considerate and thoughtful
to fellow internet users. You may never know the backstory of another person
online, so if you wouldn’t broadcast a particular message in the real world, it also
isn’t okay to broadcast online.
Hate speech, name-calling, and offensive opinions are intolerable both in public
forums and comment sections as well as in private conversations and email
threads. Your unsolicited opinion may backfire. The moderators may remove the
hateful comment and get you banned from the social network or group.
3. Don’t overshare
Another one of the most important netiquette rules is to share your content wisely.
Remember – once your photos or opinions are online, they’re accessible to anyone
interested. So every time you post, rethink if the post is appropriate and consider
possible consequences at work, school, for your children, friends, or yourself.
4. Respect other people’s privacy
Always be considerate with information about others that you share. Photos of
friends or work gatherings that you post online may seem like an innocent sharing
of your daily life, but other people may not want to disclose the details of their
private lives on social media. Whenever you decide to share a photo or video that
includes other people, practice proper netiquette by asking them if they are okay
with you doing so.
5. Don’t spam
Another one of the basic online rules is probably already familiar – don’t spam. We
all get unsolicited and irrelevant emails or messages in our inboxes. And it is
especially annoying when it comes from companies we didn’t permit to contact us.
6. Respond quickly to emails and
messages
While some things get forgotten in the whirlwind of everyday life, try to get to
important messages as soon as possible. Emails or texts from colleagues, your
educational institution, or friends and family often contain important information,
and the recipient expects a reply.
7. Help control flame wars
You have the right to disagree with someone else’s opinion on the internet, but try
to keep the discussion healthy and don’t say anything you might regret later.
However, if you get into flame wars, a conversation including insulting, aggression
with profanity, and other types of offensive language, take a deep breath and leave
immediately.
8. Check for grammar and spelling
mistakes
In a hurry to reply to work emails or messages from friends, we commonly make
typos, grammatical errors, or misspellings. However, try saving other people’s time
and energy – don’t make the recipient decipher your sentences. Read your message
or email carefully and correct your mistakes before sending it. Proofreading will
ensure that the recipient understands you.
9. Check your facts before posting
You’ve probably heard the phrase before – don’t trust everything you read online.
The vastness of the internet is full of misinformation, spam, and propaganda that is
meant to mislead or isn’t verified. Try not to be a channel for such lies and be sure
to check the facts before posting on your Facebook wall or other social media
10. Keep your online information up
to date
Keep your website updated if you own a company or an online business. Inaccurate
information on the web annoys and confuses customers. For example, let them
know if you are experiencing heavy workloads and will not deliver a purchase on
time. If your opening hours have changed and you are unavailable, update your
information. The customer will appreciate it.
The same applies to job seekers. Keep only the most relevant information in your
CV and try to clarify your previous experiences. Following netiquette guidelines
can be the deciding factor in your job search.
Why Is Online Etiquette Important?
More and more classes are being held online nowadays, so it is important for
participants to have an understanding of the rules of online etiquette. These rules
help to keep discussions focused, on track, and respectful. Without online etiquette
rules, conversations and debates can quickly disintegrate into misunderstanding,
and rude language and behavior, which destroys the chance of smooth
communication and maintaining healthy relationships.
1. Be Careful with Your Tone
2. Be Accurate and Factual
3. Search First, Then Ask
4. Don’t Use Sarcasm Freely
5. Be as Polite as You Are in Person
6. Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
7. Stay on Topic
8. Remember That Nothing Is Private Online
9. Make Clear and Brief Points
10. Respect People’s Privacy
11. Use Your Professors’ Proper Titles
12. Respect Others’ Opinions
13. Don’t Overuse the Chat Box
14. Submit Assignments Carefully
What Does Computer Ethics Mean?
Computer ethics deals with the procedures, values and practices that govern the
process of consuming computing technology and its related disciplines without
damaging or violating the moral values and beliefs of any individual, organization
or entity.
Computer ethics in practice
While most people have their own personal set of ethics that guide them,
it’s likely they’re also subject to computer policies or a code of ethics when
using certain systems or software, or while at work. They may also be
members of more formal organizations, such as trade bodies, that have
their own frameworks and codes of conduct for professional ethics and
professional conduct.
It includes four key ethical principles: (BCS Code of
Conduct)
1. You make IT for everyone. IT professionals work in the public
interest, with due regard paid to privacy, security, public health,
and the wellbeing of others and the environment.
2. Show what you know, learn what you don’t. IT professionals
should only take on tasks that they have the competencies,
skills, and resources to complete.
3. Respect the organisation or individual you work for. IT
professionals should always act in the best interest of their client
or company, and maintain discretion and ethical standards.
4. Keep IT real. Keep IT professional. Pass IT on. IT professionals
should always act with integrity, and support colleagues in their
personal and professional growth.
The Computer Ethics Institute’s Ten
Commandments of Computer Ethics are:
1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
[Link] shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
[Link] shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files.
[Link] shalt not use a computer to steal.
[Link] shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
[Link] shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have
not paid.
[Link] shalt not use other people’s computer resources without
authorization or proper compensation.
[Link] shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
[Link] shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are
writing or the system you are designing.
[Link] shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration
and respect for your fellow humans.