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
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Rule 1: Remember the human
You are interacting with another human being, so maintain dignity.
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Rule 2: Behave online as you do in real life
Don’t turn into another personality while interacting online. Be your true self.
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Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace-
You are not the center of cyberspace
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Rule 4: Respect other people’s time and bandwidth
Ensure the time people spend reading your information isn’t wasted.
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Rule 5: Make yourself look good online
Not talking about your pictures, be polite and nice to others .
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Rule 6: Share expert knowledge
Know what you are talking about and make sense, don’t just keep forwarding random information.
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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).
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Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy
Don’t save/ share or misuse personal data of others.
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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.
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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
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Test before sending/posting: Would you say it to the person’s face? If not, reword and reread.
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Typing in all capitals indicates you are SHOUTING to your audience
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There are only words online, no nonverbal cues, making it easy to misinterpret meaning
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Words are written - they may come back and you don’t know where they might go
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You will be judged on the quality of your writing - spelling and grammar do count
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Anonymity is powerful but don’t take advantage of your anonymity.
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You wouldn’t look through a co-workers desk, don’t look through personal e-mail.
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Everyone was a beginner, or network newbie, at some point.
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Pointing out Netiquette violations are often examples of poor Netiquette.
Be nice to others both online and offline !