What is Netiquette
Written By: Counselling Psychologist
M.Sc. Psychology - Swansea University, UK.
Reviewed By: Counselling Psychologist
MA Psychology Pennsylvania State University, USA
Last Updated: 22-03-2023

What is Netiquette

 

The Internet was created for sharing information to help make the world a better place. However people are misusing the power of internet (by engaging in acts of cyber bullying or breaching privacy of others). Thus, the need of netiquette arises; netiquette refers to net + etiquette. In other words, Netiquette refersto Manners or appropriate code of conduct while engaging online.

The Core Rules of Netiquette

  • Rule 1: Remember the human

You are interacting with another human being, so maintain dignity.

  • Rule 2: Behave online as you do in real life

Don’t turn into another personality while interacting online. Be your true self.

  • Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace- 

You are not the center of cyberspace

  • Rule 4: Respect other people’s time and bandwidth

Ensure the time people spend reading your information isn’t wasted.

  • Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

Not talking about your pictures, be polite and nice to others .

  • Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

Know what you are talking about and make sense, don’t just keep forwarding random information.

  • Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

Don’t post flame-bait (don’t use offensive language or be confrontational for the sake of confrontation).

  • Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy

Don’t save/ share or misuse personal data of others.

  • Rule 9: Don’t abuse your power

Knowing more than others, or having more power than they do, does not give you the right to take advantage of it.

  • Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes

Ignore minor errors. Think twice before pointing out mistakes and do it privately and politely

FEW OTHER HANDY TIPS

  • Test before sending/posting: Would you say it to the person’s face? If not, reword and reread.
  • Typing in all capitals indicates you are SHOUTING to your audience
  • There are only words online, no nonverbal cues, making it easy to misinterpret meaning
  • Words are written - they may come back and you don’t know where they might go
  • You will be judged on the quality of your writing - spelling and grammar do count
  • Anonymity is powerful but don’t take advantage of your anonymity.
  • You wouldn’t look through a co-workers desk, don’t look through personal e-mail.
  • Everyone was a beginner, or network newbie, at some point.
  • Pointing out Netiquette violations are often examples of poor Netiquette.

 

Be nice to others both online and offline !

 

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