Digital Etiquette, aka “Netiquette”
The internet has become an essential part in our everyday lives, which means our online presence and how we conduct ourselves when interacting with others should fundamentally reflect how we carry ourselves in the real world. This means being respectful, having a sense of integrity and responsibility, and practicing self management skills. The delineation of these socially accepted behaviours in the digital world can be described through the concept of digital or online etiquette, aka our “netiquette”.
A proper netiquette outlines the civilized ways in which how one should act during communication in an online setting, and some basic guidelines that adhere to what this concept entails include:
- No Flaming — flames are passive-aggressive attacks in the form of messages and posts. Engaging in this type of behaviour is discouraged and should be reported.
- The Internet is Forever — It is difficult for something to be completely deleted from the internet. It is advised to be mindful of what is being posted.
- Respect Others’ Privacy — Do not share other people’s personal information, such as sharing a person’s personal email address with others and publicly posting photos with other people in them, without their consent.
- Clear Communication — Users should be utilizing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation when trying to convey their messages. Using all-caps and exclamation points can be perceived as shouting if proper context is given.
The participatory nature of Web 2.0 has enabled for further interactivity among users, and the increasing need for personal branding to differentiate ourselves from others has also highlighted how we should be represented in social media. Having good netiquette ensures that both Web 2.0 and personal branding can function smoothly.
