DEFINITION:
- Internet etiquette refers to the proper standard of politeness while using the internet. For example, there are several important rules regarding email communications, including not using capital letters when uncalled for.
- Netiquette is a term derived from the words "Internet Etiquette” or “Network Etiquette" which describes the use of proper manners and behavior online. Internet Etiquette should be used in all areas of electronic means including email, chatting, blogging, forums, message boards, and so on.
- The social code of network communication.
- The social and moral code of the internet based on the human condition and Golden Rule of Netiquette.
- A philosophy of effective internet communication that utilizes common conventions and norms as a guide for rules and standards.
Where did netiquette come from?
Netiquette is the combination of network and etiquette. It is the social code of the internet because the internet is a network and etiquette is a social code. Internet etiquette is centered around data and its use. The types of data that netiquette rules apply to are: text, audio, graphic, and video. Each website supports these types of data to some degree.
Netiquette came from the use of the internet. Since internet use is new and increasing there are new words to accommodate its use, cyber words. Netiquette is a cyber word.
RULES IN NETIQUETTE
- The first rule of Internet etiquette is to be nice.Never flame or rant in a pubic forum. Show respect for the opinions of others, even if you don’t agree, and refrain from name-calling. Avoid saying anything negative about others.Never say anything negative about your company, your former company, your boss, or your coworkers. You never know what may wind up being forwarded, whether it’s intentional or an accidental slip of the finger on the “send” button. If you are unsure of anything you've typed, hold it in draft mode and read it later before releasing the email or post.Being nice includes avoiding cyber bullying. Think about how you would feel if someone said whatever you just typed about you. If you find it the least bit disturbing, delete it. Cyber bullying may lead to disaster if a despondent person perceives he or she is being threatened.
- Learn Internet Acronyms
- Keep Messages and Posts Brief
Most people use the Internet to save time, so honor that and keep all messages as brief as possible. If you have more to say, try breaking it up into smaller topics. This will force you to be more organized and enable the reader to digest the information in a more orderly manner.
- Don’t Shout
Avoid using all caps in any email or post. Some people think that keeping the caps lock button on for the entire message will make it easier to read, while it actually does the opposite. It is not only difficult to read, it comes across as shouting, which is rude.
- Use Discretion
Whether you are sending email, instant messaging, commenting on Facebook, or posting a message to your blog, you need to remember that anything you put on the Internet can be there forever. Even if you remove the material, someone may have copied or saved it. One rule of thumb many people use is to never post anything you wouldn't want your parents or boss to see.
- Protect Personal Information
Since anything you post on the Internet is out there for all to see, avoid adding anything personal. This includes your address, phone number, social security number, and driver’s license information. You don’t want to make things easy for identity thieves, burglars, and predators.
- Obey Copyright Laws
Never copy someone else’s work and post it as your own. It is against copyright law because it is considered stealing. It is always a good idea to ask permission before quoting anyone, but that isn’t always possible. If you want to quote someone, keep the quote short, cite the source, and put a link to the complete written work.
- Protect Children
If you allow your children to access the Internet, make sure you know what sites they visit and who their “friends” are. Monitor all their Internet activity very closely. Not only should you protect them from predators, you need to make sure they don’t post something that can come back to haunt them when they are seeking admission to college or looking for a job in the future.
- Before You Click “Send”
It is always a good idea to reread anything you type before clicking the “send” button. If you have time, step away for a few minutes and come back to it with fresh eyes. If not, at least check your spelling, grammar, and tone of the message. If it is late at night, and you are extremely tired, it’s probably best to wait until the next morning. You can save most messages and posts in draft mode.
- Help Others
If someone appears to be new to the Internet, offer your assistance. Share information on proper etiquette, send them a link to a list of acronyms and emoticons, and offer to answer any questions until they get the hang of it. If you see that someone has posted something inappropriate, let him or her know privately. Never do anything to publicly embarrass anyone you know online.
Top 10 Netiquette Guidelines for a Safe Online Experience
- Use Computer Courtesy - Whether a person is sending an email, chatting in a chat room or speaking in a forum, it is important to be courteous and respectful of others online. Always remember the Golden Rule!
- Use Emoticons - When communicating online, it can be difficult to gauge a writer's emotion. Unless a web camera or microphone is used, the writer's expression or emotion is difficult to determine. By using emoticons, the writer's proper emotion will be conveyed to the reader.
- Be Brief Online - It is important to keep messages short, especially when writing an email or typing in a chat room. By using common chat abbreviations or acronyms, not only will the reader appreciate the brevity of the message, it will save the author valuable time typing the message. Remember, keep it short and be brief!
- DON’T SHOUT - No matter what forum, writing in all capital letters is considered SHOUTING and is considered very rude. A word or two in caps is fine, but shouting is not recommended.
- Pay Attention to Language Issues - Improper, inappropriate or bad language may get a participant kicked out or permanently banned from a forum or group. It is also important to remember people from other countries may be participating in the conversation and language barriers may be an issue.
- Think Before Posting - It is important to note, what is posted online today, may come back and haunt the writer tomorrow. That silly or fun photograph posted on a social networking site, may keep that person from getting a job later on. Many colleges and employers are now searching social networking sites prior to hiring.
- Keep Personal Information Private - Posting private and personal information in the wrong location can have serious consequences. Identity theft is a rapidly growing concern. Divulging too much information could give predators and those with bad intentions valuable information. Be careful where personal information is posted. If private information is posted in a group setting, read the guidelines prior to posting. Children should not post private information online
- Obey Copyright Laws - Obey copyright laws. Don’t steal!
- Help Internet Newbies - Be patient and helpful with others. Remember, everyone was a newbie once.
- Be Aware of Cyberbullying - Cyberbullying or electronic bullying continues to be an increasing problem. Parents should talk honestly and openly to children about the issues of electronic bullying. Studies suggest most children do NOT tell a trusted adult if they are a victim of electronic bullying. If targeted by a cyberbully, do not respond. Keep all ORIGINAL correspondence, with dates and times if possible. If the messages are of a threatening nature or safety is a concern, contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.
