netiquette essay

What Is Netiquette And Why Is It Important?

The internet plays a huge part in our daily activities, allowing us to communicate, share information with others and even…

The internet plays a huge part in our daily activities, allowing us to communicate, share information with others and even run businesses. With so much of our lives dependent on the internet, it is important for us to understand how our online behavior can impact us and others.

By nature, verbal communication is impermanent. Written communication, on the other hand, is more permanent. The internet retains everything we write. The online mode of communication adds abstraction between participants. Because we don’t always see the person on the other side of the screen, it can be easy to ignore the social etiquette that we would follow otherwise in face-to-face communication.

Netiquette (short for net etiquette or internet etiquette ) are the ideal manners and behavior expected of internet users. Netiquette is a set of professionally and socially accepted rules to be practiced when using any online medium. Netiquette focuses on the acceptable use of online resources in a social environment. The definition of netiquette implies, among other things, that users must follow copyright laws and other prevailing regulations.

The primary reason for the existence of netiquette is to ensure smooth communication and avoid misunderstandings. Without a clear understanding of what is netiquette , people could come across as abusive or be party to cyber-bullying. Cultures vary across geographies and the web has erased physical distances between people. So, we must learn to be sensitive to the diverse people with whom we communicate online.

This blog will introduce you to the meaning and definition of netiquette, the importance of netiquette in today’s world and illustrate some examples of netiquette.

Meaning Of Netiquette

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The definition of netiquette states that it’s a set of rules for courteous and respectful online behavior.

The rules of netiquette apply in both professional and personal contexts. By adhering to internet etiquette at work, you’ll establish and maintain healthy business relationships. On the personal front, be mindful of what you say and how you say it.

Oral or in-person communication has the benefit of body language, tone of voice and facial expressions that add to the communication between sender  and recipient. Written communication is devoid of this luxury, often making the writer’s intent unclear.

This is the primary reason for the presence of online etiquette —to allow us to communicate well virtually. Most websites and social media platforms have defined the rules of online behavior that users must follow.

Such codes have been put in place to ensure people interact effectively and avoid conflicts. There can even be legal implications of not following net etiquette.

Now that you’ve understood the meaning of netiquette , here are some examples of netiquette or online etiquette :

1. Specify context :

Whether you’re replying to an email, participating on a discussion thread or commenting on a social media post, it’s good net etiquette to quote from the original message to give context to your reply

2. Read before responding:

Look before you leap, read before you respond! Before you hit send on your rejoinder to an email or a post, confirm twice that your message conveys exactly what you intended. The smallest error or the wrong word could change the meaning of your message.

3. Remember who’s at the other end:

Never forget that though all you see is a digital screen, you’re interacting with a person with feelings and beliefs on the other side. It can be easy to say things online that you wouldn’t face to face. But rudeness is just as unacceptable

4. Spread the knowledge :

The internet was conceived to share information with others. It’s excellent online netiquette to share your knowledge and help those looking for assistance. The cyber world grows by many people sharing and leveraging their knowledge. Sharing only enriches your own knowledge further

5. Don’t plagiarize :

We often see people using information and quotes from unknown sources. The internet has given us access to all kinds of information that we can share or use. However, make sure to properly attribute it to the correct author(s)

6. Rein in the sarcasm :

Be cautious of making sarcastic comments. The recipient has the disadvantage of not hearing your tone of voice or seeing your facial expressions. Sarcasm can be misunderstood and spoil relationships. You can use emoticons (sparingly) or prefix your reply with something like, “On a lighter note…” But, it’s always safe to be professional and straightforward

7. Never spam :

Don’t we all hate junk messages? The same applies to our friends and colleagues. Refraining from sharing irrelevant, unverified content and rumors is the way to go

8. Don’t SHOUT :

An important piece of online etiquette is to avoid writing whole words or sentences in capital letters. This is considered rude and akin to someone yelling at you

7. Introduce yourself :

Another piece of internet etiquette that’s often overlooked is a failure to identify ourselves as the author of a message. It’s polite to add your signature at the end of an email

8. Privacy is paramount :  

Never forward personal emails and photos or share statuses without permission from all involved in the communication. Be extremely careful while sharing personal information about someone and never do so without their consent. Upholding others’ privacy is among the most important online etiquettes . Even if it’s a close friend, exercise caution online

9. Respond to messages :

Respond to emails or messages on social media platforms promptly. If you’re busy, acknowledge that you’ve received the message and let the sender know when you’ll revert. The simple act of responding on time is a valued part of net etiquette

10. Don’t hide :

Using false profiles is not good internet etiquette . Having no picture is only a little better than a false one. Do you wear a mask when meeting people in real life or turn away when talking to them? Online communication is the same. Remember that trolls and cyberbullies use false profiles, so be careful not to be mistaken for one

11. Be authentic :

People like to connect with or follow those with original thoughts and opinions. Express yourself openly and honestly. Following net etiquette means you aren’t restricting your expression but being conscious about how you do it

12. Respect others’ views :

It’s good online etiquette to allow people to express their views. Hold back from belittling opinions different from your own. You can disagree respectfully if you must, but it’s  insensitive to disparage other people’s beliefs and thoughts even when they aren’t near you

 13. Avoid conflict:

Abusive behavior is the height of bad net etiquette . Some platforms can even ban you for this. Online platforms are tightening their legal frameworks against online bullying. Avoid sharing abusive content or posts that could incite violence

Online etiquettes must be followed strictly to avoid  hatred and malpractices spread like wildfire.

The internet has added a new dimension to the way people connect with each other. This means that the societal values of the physical world now extend to the digital world. There’s no room for hate, bigotry or copyright infringement online.

An important example of netiquette is acknowledging the cultural differences of the people we meet online. The internet has broadened the definition of society, making it imperative that we accept the social values of those we interact with.

Being aware of and sticking to the laws governing the rights of netizens helps you grow and maintain healthy relationships. Remember that harassment, intimidation and bullying, whether online or offline, are criminal offenses.

Online etiquette assumes even greater importance for businesses, given that most companies and their customers are online. Building and maintaining a reputation online is crucial for all organizations.

The rules of netiquette apply to business too. Organizations should be consistent and transparent in their communication with stakeholders. Businesses tend to gather and leverage large volumes of customer data, including their personal information, so data privacy is an added responsibility for businesses that want to follow the rules of netiquette. Businesses must inform users about how they handle and secure their data. This will strengthen their trust in the organization and is mandatory under law in certain territories.

Understanding the meaning of netiquette is the first step toward becoming a responsible netizen. The online world is continuously evolving, as are the rules governing its use. So, it’s vital for users to stay updated.

The rules of internet etiquette will work only if they’re adopted by most online users, thereby becoming the norm of the community. The purpose of internet etiquette will be defeated if everyone doesn’t follow the rules. When you notice someone exhibiting good online etiquette, appreciate them and spread the word. Similarly, when someone exhibits objectionable online behavior, report them or try to talk to them about it.

The cyber-world will be a safe and healthy space only when all users understand the meaning and importance of netiquette. Always keep in mind that the people you are interacting with online are actual humans! Remember the golden rule: Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Harappa’s Building Presence course will bring you up to speed with all you need to know about netiquette and acceptable online behavior. With our help, you can ensure that there are no missteps in the online world for you or your organization.

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10 Basic Netiquette Rules

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

The rules of etiquette are just as important in the digital world as they are in the real world—and poor netiquette (also known as online etiquette or Internet etiquette) can stick around to haunt you for much longer. 

According to Avigail Lev, PsyD, the Founder and Director of the Bay Area CBT Center, good online etiquette is important for many reasons. "It promotes positive online interactions and helps maintain a respectful and safe digital environment," she explains.

Having good netiquette involves being mindful of your behavior, avoiding offensive or derogatory language, and treating others as you would in face-to-face interactions.

The golden rule of netiquette boils down to one basic guideline: Do not do or say online what you would not do or say offline. Before posting a comment, status update, or image, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable sharing the same thing face-to-face. If not, don't post it.

Follow these basic rules of netiquette to avoid damaging your online and offline relationships and protect your reputation.

Make Real People a Priority

Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

Nothing is more irritating than trying to have a conversation with someone who is engrossed in their phone , tablet, or another electronic device. This is especially important if the other person is your date, partner, or child. 

Constantly checking your email, voicemail, or Facebook sends the message that you don't care about them. It can also be annoying and hurtful to be with someone who is having a conversation that you are not part of.

If someone is trying to talk to you when on your cell phone, tablet, or computer, stop what you are doing and look at them. Whatever is happening in the online world can generally wait. 

If you are expecting an important call, email, or text, let the person you are with know upfront and apologize for the interruption.

Continue to make real people a priority while in public places such as restaurants, public transit, stores, elevators, and libraries. You can do this by not having phone conversations when in these shared spaces, as well as by silencing your audible notifications.

Use Respectful Language

Name-calling, cursing, expressing deliberately offensive opinions—if you wouldn't do this to the face of anyone who might conceivably see what you write, don't write it. This also includes social media sites, forums, chat rooms, and email messages. Think it can't be traced back to you? It can.

Your online activities leave a digital footprint that can be difficult to erase. Information and content shared online may be stored, archived, or shared by others, even if you delete it later. Being cautious about what you share helps maintain control over your digital presence. What you put online is permanent and can be used against you.

Using any sort of verbal abuse online can get you banned from your social groups. At a minimum, your remarks will likely be removed; one in three online comments are rejected by page moderators.

Keep in mind that it's not just what you say that may be considered disrespectful, but how you say it. Text in all caps is generally perceived as yelling, for instance. 

Either use the shift key for capital letters or write in all lower case—but don't use caps lock. Don't forget to say please and thank you as appropriate.

Video Meeting Netiquette

Following a few general guidelines can help keep your interactions professional when meeting with colleagues online. Proper etiquette for video meetings includes:

• Checking your device's audio and video before the meeting to ensure that they work
• Creating an uncluttered background so it isn't disruptive or selecting a background offered by the video meeting platform
• Choosing a professional screen name (your first and last name is a good option; avoid nicknames or any screen name that could be offensive or unprofessional)
• Joining the meeting on time
• Muting yourself when you're not speaking
• Not talking over other meeting participants

Why is etiquette so important in online meetings? Using Internet etiquette during online meetings enables you to stay professional. It also allows you to respect the other meeting attendants while providing a setting where the meeting can run as smoothly as possible.

Share With Discretion

Lev also recommends using caution regarding what you share about yourself online. For example, don't sext naked pictures or post pictures of alcohol use, drug use, or other information about your private life online. Once these images and statements are uploaded to the Internet, they are there for the rest of the world to see, forever.

"The internet is a vast and interconnected space, and your online activities contribute to forming your digital identity and reputation. What you share online can have long-lasting effects on how others perceive you," Lev explains. 

Even if you try to remove these posts later, it might be too late. Some posts may even trigger disciplinary action from your employer, such as if the post is deemed discriminatory in nature.

One way to avoid sharing too much private information online is to ask yourself if you would have a problem with your boss, parents, or kids seeing that post now or at any point in the future. If the answer is yes, don't post or send it.

The same guideline applies when having phone conversations in public places. Any time you are talking out loud, others can overhear you. This provides them access to your private information, so don't overshare.

Oversharing and Identity Theft

Although it can be fun to play along with social media posts that share your favorite color, first car, and the street you grew up on, these can be used by scammers to steal your identity and private information. Be discreet with any information that can be used as answers to security questions on your private accounts.

Don't Exclude Others

When it feels like you're being left out , it can lead to both negative emotions and a sense of lost control. While these effects can affect anyone, some research suggest that they tend to impact women with greater frequency.

If you have an in-joke to share, send it in a private message. Additionally, don't post an obscure comment to your Facebook, a forum, or an Instagram story, as this can leave others feeling as if they are excluded from whatever it is you are talking about. 

The same goes for laughing at a text, social media meme, or email when you are in the presence of others. If you don't want to share what you are laughing about, save it for later so it doesn't feel like you're excluding the person you're with.

It is equally important to be mindful of who you decide to include, as some people prefer to not be added to large group texts or social media groups. Good netiquette involves getting their permission first to ensure that they're okay with it.

Choose Friends Wisely

It can be insulting to be dropped from someone's social media friend list. So, think before sending a friend request or accepting an invitation. If you don't want to stay in touch with someone long-term, good netiquette is to not add them in the first place. 

To stay in touch with a colleague without adding them as a Facebook friend, tell them you only use Facebook for close personal friendships. Suggest that you connect on LinkedIn or another professional networking site to stay in touch.

The obvious exception to this netiquette rule is if you "friend" someone while you are getting along and later have a disagreement. It is perfectly acceptable to unfriend someone if the relationship is beyond repair. Just don't torture them (or yourself) with on-again-off-again connecting. 

Respect People's Privacy

Don't forward information sent to you without checking with the original sender first; doing this behind their back can create mistrust if they find out . This includes copying and pasting texts or sending screenshots.

If you are forwarding an email message, use BCC (blind carbon copy) rather than CC (carbon copy) when sending it to more than one person. This helps protect the privacy of all the other email recipients.

Some people don't want their names or email addresses publicized to those they don't know.

The same respect for privacy applies when uploading photos or videos online that include other people, whether in a public space or on your private social media page. Remember that if you tag people on Facebook, others can access these photos unless the people in them have adjusted their privacy settings.

Finally, don't sign up for newsletters and other communications using someone else's information. It's simple enough to set up your own email account or supply your own number for texting, and can protect you from irritating friends by having them receive emails or texts they don't want.

Fact Check Before Reposting

That cure for cancer might sound pretty impressive, but it will just cause upset if it is a hoax. Urban myths, fake retailer coupons, and other forms of misinformation also add to the noise of the Internet and waste people's time. 

And if you think that fake online information is more the exception than the rule, think again. Research indicates that Facebook users alone engage with some form of misinformation around 70 million times each month.

If you aren't sure of the facts behind an online story or social media post, check with someone who does know or can find out. Another option is to search on Google or snopes.com to see if the post is true or if it is a scam.

Don't Spam

The term "spam" applies to the receipt of any unwanted message. In the online world, spamming can refer to an unwanted email, text, or social media message.

Most of us are familiar with spam calls or spam emails from companies we didn't give permission to contact us. But we can also get spammed by family and friends, such as when they repeatedly contact us asking to take part in their latest business venture.

Avoid doing this to your contacts and it can help keep your relationships intact. If you want to share information with your contacts, ask before sending it. Taking this one step can keep you from being blocked.

Plus, many of the worst computer viruses in history have been circulated via mass emails.  So don't open an email or social media message from someone you don't know. If the message contains a download, double-check with the sender before opening it to make sure it wasn't sent by someone pretending to be them. 

Respond to Emails and Texts Promptly

By all means, ignore and delete spam, unsolicited messages, and crazy stuff. You don't owe anyone a response if they are sending you something you didn't ask for in advance.

Otherwise, have the courtesy to reply to a message within a few days, especially if that message is from family or friends. If it is going to take longer, that's okay. Just tell them that so they know and aren't waiting for your reply. 

If the message is something you don't want to deal with, know that avoiding it won't cause it to go away and may even create more stress. Don't allow this to happen to you by responding as soon as you can.

Update Online Information

Don't leave inaccurate information online just because you can't be bothered to update your social media profile or, if you own a business, your company's website. 

If you are going to be unavailable, for example, don't leave your hours of operation online indicating you will be available. If you can't keep your website up to date, take it down. 

Following this netiquette guideline is even more important if you're actively looking for a job online. If prospective employers find outdated information on your professional networking page, they might assume that you don't care enough about getting work.

Netiquette is important for a number of reasons. Following netiquette helps enhance relationships with people you care about while protecting your professional reputation. Practicing online etiquette can even reduce cyberbullying. Proper online information-sharing strategies are essential to protecting other people's privacy and safeguarding your sensitive information.

Columbus State University. Netiquette guidelines .

Boberg S, Schatto-Eckrodt T, Frischlich L, Quandt T. The moral gatekeeper? Moderation and deletion of user-generated content in a leading news forum . Media Commun . 2018;6(4). doi:10.17645/mac.v6i4.1493

Society for Human Resource Management. Ask an expert: Online behavior .

Hwang YH, Mattila A. Feeling left out and losing control: The interactive effect of social exclusion and gender on brand attitude . Int J Hospital Manage . 2019;77:303-10. doi:10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.07.010

Stanford University. Trends in the diffusion of misinformation on social media .

Hewlett Packard. The top 10 worst computer viruses in history .

Park S, Na EY, Kim EM. The relationship between online activities, netiquette and cyberbullying . Children Youth Serv Rev . 2014;42:74-81. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.04.002

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Netiquette: Ethic, Education, and Behavior on Internet—A Systematic Literature Review

Rebeca soler-costa.

1 Department of Education Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; se.razinu@relosr (R.S.-C.); se.razinu@iruamm (M.M.-M.)

Pablo Lafarga-Ostáriz

Marta mauri-medrano, antonio-josé moreno-guerrero.

2 Department of Didactics and School Organization, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain; se.rgu@oneromja

In this article, an analysis of the existing literature is carried out. It focused on the netiquette (country, date, objectives, methodological design, main variables, sample details, and measurement methods) included in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. This systematic review of the literature has been developed entirely according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). The initial search yielded 53 results, of which 18 exceeded the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. These results show that this is a poorly defined line of research, both in theory and in practice. There is a need to update the theoretical framework and an analysis of the empirical proposals, whose samples are supported by students or similar. Knowing, understanding, and analyzing netiquette is a necessity in a society in which information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed the way of socializing and communicating. A new reality in which there is cyber-bullying, digital scams, fake news, and haters on social networks.

1. Introduction

Billions of people have taken an active part in technological development over the past decade. Social networks have been the maximum exponent of a digital revolution that has meant a before and after in terms of how people communicate and collaborate [ 1 ]. A new reality that has been mutating from the original Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr [ 2 ] to become, for example, a relevant strategy in election campaigns [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The perfect framework for its expansion has been mobile devices, especially smartphones [ 6 , 7 ]. Both its technical conditions and its rapid incorporation into almost any area of life today [ 8 ] have made it the perfect nexus. In fact, nowadays it is not surprising that applications such as Instagram [ 9 ], or others more associated with instant messaging [ 10 ], are among the most frequented practices when accessing these mobile devices [ 11 ].

The popularity and growth of social networks can be understood by the paradigm shift that brought about their birth, as previously the World Wide Web was based on limited usability. Its appearance meant that users were already able to create, modify, share, and discuss existing content on the Internet [ 12 ]. Consequently, the attractiveness of using these digital media was no longer governed only by the content, but also by the new possibilities of participation they offered [ 13 ]. Although it has not been total, as the digital divide is still present [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], one of the technological consequences of the second decade of the 21st century has been the easy access to these new opportunities [ 18 ]. Despite cultural differences and resistance [ 19 ], it is clear that the option of being part of and participating in these digital communities [ 20 ] has been reduced to a couple of keystrokes.

This new digital map, which over the years has unlocked new horizons, has altered such basic habits as what to take with you when you leave home: wallet, keys, and smartphone [ 21 ]. This is an everyday action that can be understood in the face of the digital approach to modern life [ 22 ] and which perfectly contextualizes the rise of digital marketing [ 23 ]. Scientific production in this area has developed considerably [ 24 , 25 ] in response to the need to understand, know, and adapt commerce in view of the new forms of relationship and consumption that have emerged as a result of social networks [ 26 , 27 ]. A new ecosystem implies an almost total rethinking of roles [ 28 ], as reflected in the so-called influencers [ 29 ], and of strategies in an environment that is struggling to obtain the greatest dissemination and impact, including for health reasons [ 30 ].

This is an interest that responds to a historical moment in which social networks offer the right possibilities to cover everything from the individual to the social [ 31 ], including work [ 32 ]. Some of the main characteristics that may justify this phenomenon are: being a quick and easy alternative to access a wide range of information [ 33 , 34 ], offering almost instantaneous interaction and communication [ 35 ], opening up business possibilities in global environments and not just local ones [ 36 ], and even serving as a parallel strategy to find out preferences and interests in particular issues [ 37 ]. These applications accompany the new digital habits, especially among the young, whose interest in the more classic media is declining and who are developing new digital skills in areas such as content consumption [ 38 ].

The so-called digital competence (DC) is the theoretical approach to this new panorama specifically in the educational field [ 39 ]. A concept that corroborates the impact of digital technology on personal development [ 40 ], which means that educational institutions must rethink their approach in light of the new needs and demands which this generates [ 41 ]. Since its incorporation in 2006, scientific interest has been increasing and evolving. Approaches have sought to explore key issues such as what the DC is in a changing technological context [ 42 ], particularly in light of legislative frameworks [ 43 ]. The most evaluative orientation has been toward understanding the level of DC in different educational contexts: educational stages [ 44 , 45 ] or agents [ 46 ]. Perspectives that respond to a context where the integration of ICT in schools occurs from the technical [ 47 ] to the methodological [ 48 ], especially during the Covid-19 pandemic [ 49 ].

Digital media can contribute, as in the educational field [ 50 ], but their use can also lead to harm. Recently, problems have emerged such as addiction to smartphones, known as nomophobia [ 51 ], whose relationship with anxiety and stress [ 52 ] shows that ICTs also have a negative side. Cyber-bullying [ 53 , 54 ] is another example of how the use of technology can be negative, similar to the anonymity of social networks as a weapon of hate [ 55 ]. Information, one of the main reasons for the use of networks, is also under scrutiny following the rise of fake news [ 56 ] and the use of user data is also controversial [ 57 ]. At the same time, consumer advocacy is growing [ 58 ], reflected in the presence of cookies on any website and “integrated shopping” in free downloadable applications.

This new framework, with its possibilities and repercussions [ 59 ], gives rise to another approach more related to how they have used: netiquette. The origin of this term, which is based on the link between the words Internet and label [ 60 , 61 ], emerges on the eve of the beginning of the 21st century and the expansion of the digital world. The Internet, as well as promoting access to knowledge or creating new professions, has created the non-face-to-face label. This can be seen in traditional face-to-face customs such as giving condolences, the development of which through social networks, especially Facebook, has become standardized [ 62 ]. A revolution that entails extrapolating civic norms from the face-to-face to the digital in a technologically interconnected world [ 63 ]. Guidelines, which are less or more assimilated, are present in couple relationships [ 64 ] or which guide the use of such essential tools as email [ 65 , 66 ] in work environments [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ].

To talk about ethics or a social label is really to talk about education. It is therefore not surprising that in a context of constant inclusion of ICT in the classroom [ 71 ], netiquette is one of the areas that make up the DC. A key training requirement in current and future teachers whose preparation in the digital field continues to be analyzed [ 72 , 73 ], more so when it is a field in evolution since, above all, social networks are altering and promoting new digital habits in students [ 74 , 75 ]. In the case of the educational field, the pandemic has highlighted the role of ICTs [ 76 ], a reality which means understanding the digital label as part of human development in the 21st century. An approach that has been focused above all on students who have grown up with the digital [ 77 ] but which, in reality, is already inherent to anyone who has access to a mobile device with an Internet connection.

The present study is based on this new paradigm. Access to digital media is already a routine, even an addiction, and it is urgent to understand its new social patterns. In the educational field, especially in training, this idea is becoming increasingly present. This is due, on the one hand, to the progressive integration of ICTs into the teaching-learning processes and, on the other hand, to the impact of these changes in terms of defining what DC is and how to develop it in schools. For this reason, this work focuses on explaining the scientific reality of the term “netiquette” through a review of the literature in the main databases. This is an approach to finding out and understanding the state of research into labels in a universe marked by haters, cyberbullying, and fake news.

This systematic review is based on the analysis of existing literature in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases of the term netiquette. Its implementation has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) [ 78 ] in order to answer the following questions. The structure of other publications in impact journals [ 79 , 80 , 81 ] has also been taken into consideration in order to follow models of analysis validated by experts. In turn, data from the studies analyzed are included, such as the country of origin, the date of publication, the main objectives, the methodological design, the variables considered, the details of the samples, and their scientific contributions to the area of research.

RQ1 What is the state of scientific production regarding “netiquette”?

RQ2 Has an interest in “netiquette” increased since the emergence of social networks?

RQ3 What is the scientific relationship between “netiquette” and the educational field?

2.1. Search Strategy

During the month of December 2019, a strategy was developed based on the search for articles that include the term “netiquette” in the title and that are part of two relevant scientific databases. Given the nature of this research, this restrictive criterion was chosen because otherwise the inclusion of articles that were not scientifically relevant to the research could be favored. In this sense, both terms were included in the Scopus and WOS search engines (WOS, BCI, BIOSIS, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, SCIELO), two scientific databases commonly used by experts and researchers and from which both JCR and SJR draw their information [ 82 ]. A single search criterion was established, the title of the article having to incorporate one of the two terms. This initial search yielded 53 manuscripts, although the final sample consisted of 18 references.

2.2. Inclosure Criteria

The channeling of the results to the final sample was carried out on the basis of the PRISMA protocol [ 78 ] for carrying out systematic reviews. The main objective was to analyze those articles that really focused on “netiquette,” and so it was established as a search criterion that this term should appear in the title of the articles to be analyzed later. Afterward, those results that were not articles were eliminated, both in WOS (n = 13) and in the SCOPUS database (n = 9). Of the 31 resulting articles, having searched two databases, those that were duplicated and were part of both were eliminated (n = 10). Once they were deleted, the information available on the remaining 21 articles was analyzed to check their eligibility, and they were read in full in cases of doubt about their subject matter. Finally, those whose complete text could not be found on the Internet were eliminated (n = 3), leaving the final sample reduced to 18 articles ( Figure 1 ). Articles included in the title “netiquette” or “netiquettes,” not repeated in the databases and with access to the full text.

Flow diagram of PRISMA Systematic Review about “netiquette.”

All the articles that have been considered for analysis were presented in English (n = 18). A consistent figure considering that more than half (n = 12) have been published from the UK (n = 4) or the US (n = 7). The time span between the oldest and most recent article is 23 years, covering 1995 and 2018. The focus of the articles can be grouped into two main blocks, empirical studies (n = 9) and theoretical approaches (n = 9), as shown in Table A1 and Table A2 respectively. The methodological disparity is clearly noticeable in the quantitative articles, with cases of quantitative (n = 4), mixed (n = 2), and qualitative (n = 1) approaches. ( Appendixe A and Appendixe B ).

3.1. Country

More than half of the articles studied were of Anglo-Saxon origin, specifically from the United Kingdom [ 61 , 64 , 70 , 76 ] and the United States [ 59 , 60 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 71 ]. Both cases stand out as they are the only countries that are repeated in terms of place of publication. The remaining (n = 6) come from European countries, such as Germany [ 78 ], Denmark [ 62 ] and Belgium [ 72 ]; from Asia, South Korea [ 54 ] and Jordan [ 74 ]; and from the American continent, Mexico [ 75 ]. Article [ 66 ] should be defined as having double authorship, from the United States and Canada. It should be noted that the United Kingdom [ 61 , 70 ] and the United States [ 59 , 60 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ] are the only two countries that contribute articles of a theoretical nature, while those with an empirical focus are more spread out around the world.

There is a disparity in the date of publication of articles. With respect to the empirical ones, the oldest is from 2007 [ 72 ] and the most recent from 2018 [ 77 ], with only repetitions in 2017 [ 62 , 74 ]. In fact, all the articles are from the last decade [ 54 , 62 , 64 , 71 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ] except the one from 2007. On the other hand, those theoretical approaches cover the period from 1995 [ 61 ] to 2018 [ 67 ] and there are also repetitions in 2011 [ 59 , 68 ]. By decade of publication, production stands out from 2000 to 2010 [ 65 , 66 , 69 , 70 ], from 2010 to 2020 [ 59 , 67 , 68 ], and from 1990 to 2000 [ 60 , 61 ]. Of the total, only four articles [ 62 , 67 , 74 , 77 ] have been published during the last five years.

On the one hand, the objectives of the empirical articles can be differentiated into those more linked to netiquette in educational contexts [ 54 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 77 ] and those oriented to more general personal or work environments [ 62 , 64 , 76 ]. In the majority of articles [ 54 , 62 , 64 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ] the objective is based on knowing habits associated with the label on the net, in some cases, the objective is purely methodological [ 71 ]. As for the theoretical articles, the distinction is less clear. Up to 5 [ 59 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ] focus on exposing or analyzing guidelines related to the correct use of electronic mail and two [ 60 , 61 ] provide more general guidelines for the Internet in its complexity. Only three are developed for specific contexts: hospital workers [ 68 , 69 ] and librarians [ 70 ].

3.4. Methodological Design

Two clear methodological designs can be distinguished: empirical articles [ 54 , 62 , 64 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ] and theoretical articles [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. From the first case, there is a new differentiation: quantitative supported by ad-hoc questionnaires [ 54 , 64 , 74 , 77 ], mixed approaches [ 62 , 72 ], and only qualitative [ 75 ]. One of the articles is purely methodological [ 71 ], so its scientific contribution is different from the rest. In the case of theoretical studies, they can be divided into purely theoretical [ 59 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ] and literature reviews [ 60 , 61 ].

3.5. Main Variables

The variables found in the articles analyzed are very diverse. The quantitative variables explore online time and its possible relationship with cyber-bullying [ 54 ] or peer-to-peer tagging [ 64 ], university students’ knowledge of it [ 74 ], or its direct application through interaction with faculty [ 77 ]. In the case of those based on a mixed methodology [ 62 , 72 ], they are based on category analysis (attitude, motivations, unsubstantiated statements, etc.,) and are interspersed with other numerical quantitative variables (questions, number of visits to the forum, number of times they read what is published in the forum, etc.,). The qualitative article [ 75 ], with a socio-historical perspective, is based on categories such as “moral practice,” “communities of practice,” and “netiquette.”

3.6. Sample Details

The samples in half of the articles analyzed [ 54 , 62 , 64 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ] are very varied. They range from small groups of 34 secondary school students [ 75 ] to 992 couples [ 64 ] or 2849 students and teachers [ 77 ]. The educational context of the samples is relevant, as more than half [ 54 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 77 ] of the articles are composed of students or graduates. There are also undefined figures when exposing themselves based on groups [ 76 ] and samples where the only requirement was to have a Facebook account [ 62 ] or to have a partner [ 64 ].

3.7. Measurement

The instruments used in the articles analyzed cover quantitative [ 54 , 64 , 74 , 77 ], mixed [ 62 , 72 ], and qualitative [ 75 , 76 ] perspectives. In this sense, the quantitative instruments have been based on the development of questionnaires designed ad-hoc [ 54 , 64 , 74 , 77 ], the mixed ones have been questionnaires and subsequent coding, and the qualitative ones have employed interviewing and discourse analysis individually or through focus groups. The theoretical articles have not used instruments in their development.

4. Discussion

The last two decades have shown the capacity for technological development and the human ability to incorporate it into daily routines [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 31 , 32 , 35 ]. In the case of the Internet, its birth and evolution have meant a before and after in humanity [ 12 , 13 , 33 , 34 ], and has altered the way people communicate and collaborate [ 1 , 18 ]. Having and using a smartphone [ 21 ], even becoming addicted [ 51 ], or spending time on social networks [ 2 ] are new patterns of behavior in a society where digital skills are becoming essential [ 26 , 27 , 29 , 36 , 38 ]. So much so that in the educational field the relevance of the so-called DC [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 50 ] is increasing. In short, it is clear that these years have seen the birth of a new question that goes beyond ethics: how to behave on the Internet [ 20 , 28 , 37 , 38 , 60 , 61 ].

The analysis of the articles compiled through Scopus and Web Of Science, 18 of which finally passed the inclusion criteria set out through the PRISMA analysis process [ 54 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ], leads to the following inferences. Despite the fact that the included literature covers a significant period of time, with a margin of several decades [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 74 , 77 ], the state of the search remains exploratory. There is a disparity between theoretical and empirical approaches, which accentuates the lack of a clear line of research. E-mail [ 59 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ] and its network label are the main focus of theoretical articles, while in the case of empirical ones the characteristics of the samples are usually linked to educational [ 54 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 77 ] or training contexts.

In relation to the instruments indicated in the literature analyzed, the disparity in the methodologies and tools used stands out. The quantitative researchers base their analysis on ad-hoc questionnaires [ 54 , 64 , 74 , 77 ] whose scientific criteria are not clear, so it is complex to affirm their validity and that they are reliable. At the same time, the sample sizes are disparate, with figures that are either not very representative [ 62 , 75 ] or fairly representative [ 54 , 64 , 77 ]. On the other hand, methodologies supported by open questions, coded analysis of discussion groups, or field diaries have also been found. On no occasion are the objectives of two or more articles repeated or similar, each of the articles analyzed is supported by unique theoretical frameworks and instruments.

The results presented by the articles researched can be grouped into two aspects. Theoretically, the relevance of the correct use of electronic mail in the digital world is revealed through the presentation of guidelines and guides [ 59 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. On the other hand, digital trends are shown, such as cyberbullying [ 54 ], mourning, and commemoration practices on Facebook [ 62 ], and the impact on couple relationships [ 64 ]. In the educational framework, there are complementary ideas such as the lack of knowledge of netiquette on the part of university students [ 74 ] and the improvement in the quality of discussion in forums when guidelines of this type are provided previously [ 72 ].

5. Conclusions

Considering the results found in this work, it is consistent to conclude that netiquette is a field of study that is in its initial phase. The limited production in this line of research is very significant, especially in view of the existence of theoretical articles from more than two decades ago. It is complex to consider that there is a real interest in research in this area. Defining an ethic for a context that changes almost daily is complex, however, it is necessary to understand it if we want to improve the society. The DC [ 39 ] includes netiquette as a training demand, both from students and teachers, and it is understood in reality that it includes digital economic sectors, the rise of cyberbullying [ 54 ], or the establishment of nomophobia [ 51 ].

Different considerations can be made with regard to the starting hypotheses. Scientific production relating to netiquette is still at an early stage, without a defined theoretical basis despite being a term that has existed since before the 21st century. The birth of social networks has indeed increased the interest in netiquette, at least in terms of new habits and specific ethical factors. The works published in the past decade take into account the existence of these new media, a vision that is coherent with how they have become internalized in the routine of billions of people. The selection of students in training, whether current or recent, is a scientific criterion that reinforces the link between education and netiquette. Digital preparation is a fundamental pillar in personal, social, and professional terms. It is therefore inevitable to associate both areas in the present without thinking about the future, something that is set out in the current conception of the DC.

In relation to the limitations of the present study, existing in the studies based on the systematic review, there is a risk of having lost information because of the strategy of selection of the descriptor. Introducing the term netiquette, and its plural, as the only search elements were established in view of its presence in educational and legislative frameworks. Some of the lines of research in this area that are proposed are the creation of new instruments to find out the level of preparation of students, teachers in training, or teachers.

In conclusion, this study presents a number of theoretical and practical implications. The implications in the educational field, after having carried out the analysis, imply the need to revise the digital preparation of all the agents that form part of this field. The theoretical and practical synthesis set out in this work may mean a new scientific stage of an essential issue for the 21st century. Specifically, to cite more specific examples, it can lead to the beginning of a realistic consideration of digital needs, demands, and capacities in everyday tools such as e-mail, social networks, and even others close to home. For this reason, this study not only offers a new line of work to researchers or experts from the scientific community but can also have repercussions for anyone in the world with access to digital devices, with a special interest in the educational context.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the researchers of the research group AREA (HUM-672), which belongs to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Junta de Andalucía and is registered in the Department of Didactics and School Organization of the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Granada.

Empirical studies.

Theoretical studies.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, P.L.-O., A.-J.M.-G., and M.M.-M.; methodology, M.M.-M. and P.L.-O.; software, A.-J.M.-G. and P.L.-O.; validation, A.-J.M.-G.; formal analysis, R.S.-C.; investigation, M.M.-M., A.-J.M.-G., R.S.-C., and P.L.-O.; data curation, A.-J.M.-G., M.M.-M., and R.S.-C.; writing—original draft preparation, M.M.-M., A.-J.M.-G., R.S.-C., and P.L.-O.; writing—review and editing, M.M.-M., A.-J.M.-G., R.S.-C., and P.L.-O.; visualization R.S.-C.; supervision, M.M.-M. and P.L.-O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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Netiquette: Code of Good Behaviour on the Internet

• Mintu-Wimsatt, A., Kernek, C., & Lozada, H. R. (2010). Netiquette: Make it part of your syllabus. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 264–267. Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol6no1/mintu-wimsatt_0310.pdf or download the pdf.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2018). In-text citations: The basics. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html
• Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2018). Reference list: Basic rules. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html
• University of the People. (2018). University catalog. Retrieved from https://www.uopeople.edu/about/uopeople/essential-uopeople-documents/university-catalog/

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Instruct­ional Resources

Resources for instructors to use when planning, creating, teaching, and assessing

• Guide to Teaching Online
• Improving Online Communications
• Classroom Management
• Soliciting Feedback from Students on Their Learning Experience (Alternatives to CEQs)
• Zoom Bombing
• Teaching Your First Course
• Protect Your Synchronous Session
• Netiquette Syllabus Example
• Content Warnings
• Flipped Classroom
• Alternatives to Lecturing
• Electronic Portfolio (eP; ePortfolio)
• Types of Misconduct
• Academic Integrity Design Considerations
• Plagiarism Detection Tools
• Discussing Academic Integrity
• Promoting Integrity through Assessment Design

“One person’s clever joke is another person’s offensive insult.” (Jenny Preece, 2004)

What is Netiquette?

“‘Netiquette’ is network etiquette, the do’s and don’ts of online communication. Netiquette covers both common courtesy online and the informal ‘rules of the road’ of cyberspace.” (Shea, 1997, para 1)

Netiquette is a set of rules that encourages appropriate online behavior related to the social and cultural norms of a community (Preece, 2004). These rules can vary depending upon the environment/context (informal/formal), people (familiar/unfamiliar with each other), activity, and type of technology used (Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, UBC, n.d.; Preece, 2004; Rinaldi, 1996). Noncompliance of netiquette rule use can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect (Kozik & Slivova, 2014).

Why do we Need Netiquette Rules?

The rules of etiquette that apply when communicating online are different from those that apply when communicating in person. It cannot be assumed that students automatically know how to communicate in an online environment. Netiquette rules have emerged to facilitate online interactions in the absence of visual and auditory cues, which can often be sources of misunderstandings, as readers can easily misinterpret messages (Marx, 2004). Knowledge of network etiquette discourages inappropriate online conduct and conflict (Mintu-Wimsatt, Kernek, & Lozada, 2010). Class interactions using netiquette encourage social interactions, community building, and trust between participants. It promotes a safe, engaging, respectful, and collaborative group where diversity of opinion is valued (Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, UBC, n.d.; Educational Technology and Mobile Learning, 2014).

Why Should I Incorporate Netiquette Rules in my Online Course?

You are encouraged to include a section on netiquette in your online course syllabus to increase awareness of its importance. Netiquette can help students improve their soft skills, prevent miscommunications, help students better understand what is socially acceptable when working and collaborating online in different environments, and ensure that the teaching and learning process is not deterred (Hartsell, 2008; Kozik & Slivova, 2014; Shea, 1997). Netiquette rules can help promote professional standards of behavior in the online environment, as expected in the traditional classroom.

Fundamental Netiquette Rules

Rule 1: remember the human.

• Remember to treat others the way they want to be treated.
• Introduce yourself and courteously respond to others; use their name.
• Use emoticons sparingly to help display tone when communicating in less formal environments.
• avoid use of All CAPS, as you will appear to be shouting.
• Consider others’ gender and cultural differences; avoid gender and cultural jokes and sarcasm.

Rule 2: Behave Ethically and Responsibly

• Think before hitting the send button — assume your message is permanent.
• Act within acceptable societal norms.
• privacy issues
• intellectual property and copyright laws ; credit others’ work
• Complete work on time.

Rule 3: Familiarize Yourself with the Technology and Environment

• Familiarize yourself with varying social and cultural norms.
• Recognize that some environments will expect a different level of formality than others.
• Recognize that different technologies may require different netiquette guidelines.
• Lurk before you leap. Familiarize yourself; then join in.

Rule 4: Respect Others’ Time and Bandwidth

• Make contributions concise, relevant, and insightful.
• Don’t dominate discussions.
• Recognize that others will have different concerns.
• Don’t expect instant responses or for all to focus on your contributions.
• Restrict emails/postings to course related materials only.

Rule 5: Present Yourself Positively

• Become knowledgeable about your topic.
• Write in a clear, organized, logical, and accurate way.
• Run a quick spell check; it demonstrates professionalism.
• Be pleasant and polite; help others when possible.
• Respect others’ differing opinions and perspectives.

Rule 6: Share Your Knowledge and Expertise

• Contribute and share online.
• it increases discussion and knowledge construction.
• it helps build trust and online community.
• Cite credible sources.

Rule 7: Keep Flame Wars under Control

• avoid using offensive and confrontational language; no bullying.
• Online exchanges should be constructive.
• Seek clarification prior, as content may have been misunderstood.

Rule 8: Be Forgiving of Others’ Mistakes

• Be forgiving – there will always be new online learners.
• Be gracious if someone makes a mistake.
• Be polite when informing someone of an etiquette error; use private email.
• Remember that we all make mistakes; have patience.

Course Communications

Make the level of formality explicit.

There are multiple tools and environments for communicating online. Different online environments may require different Netiquette rules. Although students may be quite accustomed to participating informally in social forums, the expectations and guidelines for an educational setting may be quite different. Therefore it is important for you to establish clear guidelines for the level of formality and writing style that you would like to see in your course.

More Formal?

If your intent is to encourage good writing skills, then it will be important for students to follow acceptable writing conventions with regards to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. For example, you may want students to use a particular writing style, such as APA or MLA and to support their ideas with appropriate referencing.

Less Formal?

However, if your intent is to keep language very relaxed and conversational, then emoticons, abbreviations, slang etc. may be acceptable.

Discussion and Group forums can vary—they can be quite formal or very informal in nature, depending upon their intent and the topic being covered. Virtual spaces that encourage interaction or content creation such as blogs, wikis, lives sessions, or various social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) generally encourage a more informal environment.

Netiquette Examples

Learning to communicate effectively is important in any learning environment. However, listening and respectfully responding to what others have to say is especially important in the online environment. Netiquette (Online Etiquette) is a set of rules that encourages appropriate and courteous online behavior. These rules are important as they promote communication skills, prevent miscommunications, and help you understand what is socially acceptable when working and collaborating online. Netiquette rules encourage social interactions, community building, and trust and help promote a safe, engaging, respectful, and collaborative environment where diversity of opinion is valued.

If you are not familiar with these Netiquette rules, please refer to these fundamental netiquette rules (adapted from Virginia Shea’s “Core Rules of Netiquette” .)

Course Expectations (Discussions — Formal)

Participation in this course will comprise a significant portion of your grade. In this course we will be communicating on a weekly basis using online discussions. It is expected that discourse will be respectful of Netiquette Rules and model the highest standards of professional dialogue. This does not mean that you cannot present opposing viewpoints. In fact, you are encouraged to challenge each others’ ideas and promote stimulating discussions. However, unprofessional and inappropriate comments (unnecessary flaming and flame wars), as in the regular classroom, are to be avoided online. Your writing is expected to be formal using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Please adhere to strict APA formatting and provide references to support your ideas. Slang, abbreviations, and emoticons are not appropriate.

Any posting that does not appear to adhere to professional standards will be removed. In such a case, it will be the responsibility of the student to provide a replacement posting to meet course requirements.

Course Expectations (Discussions — Informal)

Participation in this course is important to help reinforce your course readings. We will be communicating on a weekly basis using online discussions. It is expected that discourse will be respectful of Netiquette Rules. This does not mean that you cannot present opposing viewpoints. In fact, you are encouraged to challenge each others’ ideas and promote stimulating discussions. However, unprofessional and inappropriate comments (unnecessary flaming and flame wars), as in the regular classroom, are to be avoided online. Conversations are expected to be brief and conversational. Please note that THE USE OF ALL CAPS CAN MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING online and should be avoided. The judicious use of emoticons is encouraged to help display tone or emotion that is difficult to discern online.

Please be polite and try to make all communications clear. Thanks! :-)

Course Expectations (Twitter Communications — Informal)

Participation in this course involves setting up a Twitter Account and Tweeting to your classmates each week about assigned issues using the Twitter widget, located on your Course Home page. It is expected that each Tweet will be respectful of Netiquette Rules. Remember, Twitter restricts your message to a maximum of 280 characters (including the hashtag), so these Tweets are expected to be fairly short, focused and concise! All Tweets are expected to be quite informal. Abbreviation and emoticon use is encouraged.

Please be polite and try to make all communications clear. Thanks! :-) TTFN!

Emoticons and Abbreviations

Common emoticons and abbreviations seen online include:

• Beal, V. (2004). Text messaging and online Chat abbreviations .
• Johns, K, (1996). Electronic mail emoticons (smilies) & shorthand (abbreviations) . Retrieved from http://www.kassj.com/netiquette/smilies.html
• Kaplan, M. (2014). Emoticons and abbreviations (smileys) . Retrieved from http://www.anapsid.org/internet/smileys.html#celeb
• Shea, V. (1997). Emoticons . Retrieved from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/0963702513p59.html
• Beckingham, S. (2014, Dec. 4). Emoticons and emojis: a brief introduction to the history and current use in social media dialogue . Retrieved from https://socialmediaforlearning.com/2014/12/04/emoticons-and-emojis-a-brief-introduction-to-the-history-and-current-use-in-social-media-dialogue/

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What is Netiquette? 20 Internet Etiquette Rules

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 .

Netiquette: General rules of conduct

When communicating on the internet, you should always remember that you are communicating with people and not simply with computers or smartphones. As in the real world, rules of etiquette are necessary on the internet. Netiquette is therefore important to avoid adverse consequences.

Below you will find 20 general recommendations for conduct on the internet that you should follow when communicating online.

1. Stick to the rules of conduct online that you follow in real life

When communicating online, remember the rules of etiquette that you follow in your everyday life. Refrain from insulting, provoking, threatening or insulting others. Respect the opinions of your chat counterparts and express constructive criticism. Remember that you can be prosecuted for insulting people online.

2. Netiquette: Think of the person

Think of the person behind the computer when you compose your messages. You are not communicating with a machine, but with real people. Also, consider what and how you write. Because the internet doesn't forget anything! A screenshot or a copy of your messages is quickly made and still exists even if you delete your messages afterward.

3. Present your best side online

Communication on the internet comes with a certain anonymity that does not exist in real life when you are talking to someone face to face. Often this anonymity leads to a lower inhibition threshold for many users and they behave rudely online if, for example, you disagree with them.

Make sure that you show your best side online . Remain friendly and respectful, even if you disagree. Good netiquette is characterized by respect, politeness and professionalism .

A tip: You should generally refrain from writing messages or individual words entirely in capital letters – even if you want to give these sections more expression. After all, capital letters on the internet mean shouting and are generally considered impolite .

4. Read first, then ask

Do you have a question about something? Then take the time to carefully read the answers in the previous discussion posts first. There is a good chance that someone has already answered your question. If you write an answer similar to someone else's, it shows the other chat participants that you have paid little attention to the conversation so far.

Remember that conversations online can happen very quickly. It is therefore important to gather all the information before responding or asking questions.

5. Netiquette: Pay attention to grammar and punctuation

Take time to read through your answers again. Check them for grammar , punctuation and correct spelling . It can be very frustrating for the other person if they have to decipher poorly written sentences in order grasp the meaning behind them. In addition, faulty grammar distracts from the goal of your message.

Grammar, spelling and punctuation become especially important when composing emails or other correspondence that you submit to colleagues or superiors. If you have a weakness in grammar and spelling, don't be discouraged. Use spelling aids before you send messages.

Another tip: When composing emails, always remember to use the appropriate salutation and parting formula as well . These are also part of netiquette.

6. Respect the privacy of others

This rule should be followed not only in everyday use of online communication, but also at work. Do not simply forward information that has been sent to you without first obtaining permission from the original sender. When sending private emails to multiple recipients, use BCC (blind carbon copy) instead of CC (carbon copy). Many people do not like their names and email addresses being passed on to people they do not know themselves.

This rule on the internet also applies to uploading and sharing photos or videos that show other people. Before circulating such private files, be sure to check with the people concerned before doing so.

Last but not least: Respect the privacy of others and do not sign up for newsletters, forums or the like with someone else's name or email address.

7. Respect the time and bandwidth of others

We live in a much faster world than our parents or grandparents are used to. Information can be sent to different people around the world in a matter of seconds – and without much effort. Nevertheless, the bandwidth, that is to say the information capacity of wires and channels, is limited. It is similar with humans. Think of this limited receptivity of information when you send messages to your friends, colleagues or superiors.

Do you get to the point quickly enough in your emails ? Are your arguments formulated correctly and clearly recognizable ? No one wants to waste time unnecessarily on an email whose core message is only at the end of the email. That consumes time and effort, and is simply annoying. Also, consider who really needs to be on the list of recipients. After all, respect for other people's time and bandwidth is also part of netiquette .

8. Forgive the mistakes of others

Everyone who goes online to forums and networks was once a beginner. As in any other field, you can make mistakes as a beginner. In online communication, these can be a lack of etiquette or manners.

Often these are spelling mistakes, superfluous questions or answers that are too long . With this in mind, it's important to forgive your counterparts' mistakes . If they are only minor mistakes, it is best not to react to them at all. In the event of a major error, for example a wrong quote, messages written only in capital letters or missing grammar and punctuation, then it is best to point it out to the person in a private message.

A tip: Sarcasm in written form is not always recognizable to everyone on the internet . It is therefore better to remain objective. If you still want to express sarcasm among friends or close colleagues, use emojis such as smileys or GIFs . Carefully chosen, emojis can reinforce your message.

9. Netiquette: Don't abuse your power

On the internet, as in real life, some people have more power than others. Moderators in a forum, experts in companies or system administrators. If you have more power than others, you do not have the right to exploit this power .

Don't spy on colleagues or chat participants just because you have the technical means to do so. For example, system administrators should never read private emails or find out about the salary structure in the company .

10. Help keep flame wars under control

Flame wars are messages that contain aggressive personal criticism or attacks on a person . In group chats, heated discussions often degenerate into so-called flame wars . If you get into such a discussion, you should stay out of it. Always remember that you should treat others as you would like to be treated. Profanity is not part of netiquette .

Also remember that insults and threats on the internet can have legal consequences for you . For this reason, do not be tempted to make such comments, even in heated discussions. Instead, demonstrate exemplary conduct on the internet.

11. Know where you are in cyberspace

Netiquette is interpreted differently in different places on the internet. For example, it is perfectly normal to spread gossip in a TV discussion group. However, if you do this in a serious discussion group, you will quickly make yourself unpopular. It is therefore important that you know where you are on the internet .

This also means that if you are in a new area that is unfamiliar to you , you need to look around and learn the ropes. Get an idea of how other people in this area of cyberspace communicate with each other and adapt to them.

12. Hate speech and netiquette

So-called hate speech on the internet is an increasing problem, especially in social media. It is often found in offensive comments under photos or posts. However, time and again there are coordinated actions by specific actors who join forces for the sole purpose of spreading hate comments. Not infrequently, social or religious fringe groups, foreigners or black people become victims of such actions.

What can you do against hate speech ? If you come across such statements on the internet, you should report them to the provider of the website . Often you will find the option to report a post directly underneath it on social media. The providers are legally obliged to delete content which is evidently illegal within 24 hours.

In addition, you can actively approach the spreaders of hate speech and try to invalidate their statements and subsequently educate the perpetrators . It is advisable to ask for the alleged "facts" and take a clear position against hate. Steer the discussion in a more positive direction. However, under no circumstances should you react with hate or insults. You could also be held accountable for this.

Netiquette: Safety rules for children

The internet is an enrichment for everyone – in everyday life, at school and at work. However, it brings with it some risks and downsides , such as the dark net . Talk to your child and explain the possible risks of the internet. Respect your child's privacy and explain the following rules for children on the internet :

13. Children on the internet: Do not give out personal information

In these times of social media, identity theft and social engineering , keeping personal information secret is essential! Under no circumstances should your child share passwords or personal information such as their name , address or telephone number online. The name of the school or clubs should also be kept secret.

14. Use a neutral nickname

Make sure that your child uses a neutral nickname in chat rooms. This should under no circumstances reveal your child's identity. In addition, a neutral nickname ensures that other people do not feel insulted or ridiculed.

15. Netiquette and bots/troll posts

So-called bots are computer programs that usually automatically follow up on a task without requiring any interaction with humans. In social media channels, bots often post comments or even their own posts.

They often spam in forums or in the comments under posts. This is annoying and time-consuming, as these responses have to be identified and removed. Bots are therefore not part of netiquette and should be avoided if at all possible.

16. Rules for children on the internet: Do not trust chat participants

Your child should always approach strangers with a healthy skepticism . You never know who is really hiding behind the funny profile name and picture. For example, your child should never meet a stranger just because they got along well in a chat conversation. It could be an adult with bad intentions.

Similarly, you should explain to your child that they should not add strangers as friends on social media such as Facebook or Instagram. Your child should also not simply open emails and other messages and download attachments. In doing so, your child could accidentally download a Trojan or other malware .

17. Fairness first: Do not exclude anyone

If your child is communicating in a private group, they should refrain from making insider jokes that not everyone in the group will understand. It is better to send a private message to this person. Other chat participants should not feel excluded . Netiquette includes values such as tolerance, respect and helpfulness . This also means that only the language used by everyone should be used.

In a school group chat, your child should always make sure that all chat members are on the same level, for example during a review or presentation. When your child is explaining a topic that may not be clear to everyone, it is a good idea to answer questions about the topic.

18. Netiquette for children: Keep it short and clear

Posts, answers and even questions should be kept as short and clear as possible. No one wants to read an unnecessary amount of text that does not contribute to answering the issue.

Cumbersome language and repetitions only clog up chats and forums; in addition, spelling mistakes can make it more difficult to read and understand what is being said. Forwarding chain letters also has no place in respectful online communication.

19. Netiquette and online learning (tips for pupils)

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, most teaching in schools was done online. So-called homeschooling – teaching from home – was a new challenge that pupils, teachers and parents had to overcome together. Here are some tips for teaching from home:

• Children should support one another, for example by responding to classmates' questions on a chat thread.
• Instruct your children not to digitally record or take screenshots of lessons without first getting the teacher's permission.
• A polite and respectful tone is an absolute must in homeschooling.
• Passwords and credentials given by the school must not be passed on by children to third parties under any circumstances.
• Children should be ready a few minutes before class starts in order to start on time. Teaching materials should be ready and the camera for the video conference should always be switched on. You should also make sure that your child dresses as they would appear at school.
• Pupils should speak up if they have any questions or comments. Afterwards, they should mute their microphone again so as not to disturb the lesson with any background noise.

20. Trust your child

Last but not least, the most important rule for children's use of the internet: Trust your child . After all, you cannot permanently look over their shoulder, whether your child is learning via computer, smartphone or tablet. Your child learns best through their own experiences . Trust in your offspring's abilities, and refrain from constantly monitoring their internet activities. It is usually enough to know that your child can ask you for help if the worst happens.

If you follow the above rules of netiquette, you will have no problems with online communication in everyday life, in class or at work. In addition, your respectful and friendly behavior will be noticed positively by your colleagues and superiors.

Especially for children, it is important to learn the correct rules of etiquette on the internet at an early age. Social interaction and the correct rules of etiquette and behavior on the internet are just as important as in real life.

These safety solutions include parental controls for the internet:

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Total Security

Kaspersky Security Cloud

Interesting articles on other online topics for parents:

Top 10 ways to stop cyberbullying

What is phishing?

The key to safe homeschooling

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Digital Literacy: Computer Skills, Netiquette & Internet Safety

• Netiquette for Email & Social Media
• Library Guide for Digital Literacy
• Computer & Information Technology Skills
• Internet Safety & Online Privacy

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Netiquette is a set of unofficial rules for good behavior and politeness followed by users of online and digital technologies such as the Internet, email, and chatrooms.  Netiquette is derived from the word "etiquette," which refers to the general rules or conventions of correct and polite behaviour in social settings and situations. It is thus the practice of exercising polite and considerate behaviour in online contexts, such as Internet discussion boards and personal email.

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• Netiquette Do's & Don'ts for Email
• Digital Footprints & Social Media

Email is an important form of communication that is used in multiple contexts, from professional to personal.  DO follow these rules and guidelines for proper email netiquette:

Composing Email

       • If you are sending an email to people at BVC, use your MyBVC email. 

             • If you are applying for a job or sending an email to a business, create and use a professional email.

        • Include a subject line, a proper opening and a closing line

        • Know your audience - for formal emails to colleagues or prospective employers, use polite and professional language

        • Be concise and proofread the text to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes

Sending and Responding to Email

        • Address all of the sender's questions or concerns

        • Confirm that the email of the recipient is correct

        • Be careful using the Reply to All button

              • If necessary, protect privacy of recipients by using the blind carbon copy (bcc) field

DON'T make these mistakes:

        • Writing in capital letters that MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING

        • Opening emails or attachments from unknown or suspicious senders

        • Overusing the priority, high importance or receipt settings

        • Sending or forwarding personal or private information without the original sender's consent

        • Including unnecessary information or diverging from the purpose of the email

        • Using emoticons or abbreviations i.e. :) or "lol" unless writing informally to friends or family

        • Subscribing to unknown distribution lists

• Email Etiquette for the Super-Busy - 99U

Nothing is private on the Internet and many sites have the ability to archive or store your information. Your "digital footprint" is the data that you leave behind after interacting in online environments such as social media websites or discussion boards. Be cautious of personal material and information that is posted online by yourself or others. This is important as employers are increasingly using social media to evaluate and find potential employees.

When using social media websites, you should:

     • Check the privacy settings on websites such as Facebook

     • Confirm that your profile information is accessible only to the extent you choose

     • Do not accept people you do not know as "friends" on social media websites

     • Be careful when interacting or sharing information with other Internet users

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The Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea

The following 10 rules and reminders for online communication and behaviour have been summarized from Virginia Shea's book, Netiquette .

Rule 1: Remember the human 

Remember that behind every screen is a human being with independent thoughts and feelings. It is easy to misunderstand or be rude to others when you are not interacting with them in person. Before clicking send or post, ask yourself: Would you say it to the person's face?

Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior as in "real life"

This rule is a reminder that the ethical standards and laws that govern our society extend to cyberspace as well. This includes harrassment and bullying, copyright regulations, and privacy.

Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

Different environments require different behaviour. The way we interact with our friends, for example, may not be acceptable in a school or work situation. This principle extends to online environments as well. Comments that are acceptable on Facebook, for instance, may be considered inappropriate on a professional networking site such as LinkedIn.

Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth

In this rule, "bandwidth" is synonymous with "time." When you send and email or post on a discussion board, keep your comments brief and relevant to the environment or situation.

Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

There are many positive aspects about the Internet, including the ability to remain anonymous. This rule is a reminder not to allow this aspect of the Internet influence how you communicate. Pay attention to your grammar, spelling and word choices as well as the overall content and truthfulness of your writing, as this is what others are using to judge you.

Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

The Internet is a great platform for sharing good information. However, it can also be used to spread misinformation and distortions. If you hold a lot of knowledge about a certain topic or subject, don't be afraid to share it online in a manner that is helpful and accurate.

Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

"Flaming" refers to verbal disagreements that occur between users in contexts such as message boards. They are often a result of strongly held opinions and emotions. As in rule 4, do not monopolize online discussion with long or offensive commentary.  

Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy

The Internet is an open forum. Remember not to share information about others that could get them -- or yourself -- into trouble, both personally and professionally.

Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

This rule is intended for those who carry more power on the Internet as experts, designers, system administrators or even hackers. Power should always be used responsibly and not to harm or take advantage of those who are less powerful or knowledgeable.

Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Give other users the benefit of the doubt and consider that they may come from a different background or have less experience on the Internet. Do not be rude when you encounter someone's mistake -- always respond with courteousy and respect.

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• Extended University
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• October 2017

Effective communication is key to success in online education , and that’s where the term “netiquette” comes in. Netiquette, which is a portmanteau of “net” and “etiquette,” refers to using courtesy and politeness when communicating with others online.

Netiquette in online education

The rules for online learning and classroom learning are virtually the same: You have to study, take notes, attend classes and participate in discussions. In the classroom, your words, gestures, posture and facial expressions communicate your thoughts and observations to your classmates and teachers. But how do you express yourself online, where the written word is all they see?

During your online degree program, you will frequently be asked to participate in online discussions and will occasionally do peer reviews of your classmates’ work. Here are 10 rules of netiquette  that will help you successfully communicate as you learn online.

• Make sure identification is clear in all communications . Begin with a salutation (“Hi, Jason!”) and end with your signature (“Hannah Kay, Criminology 101”).
• Review what you wrote and try to interpret it objectively. When we speak face to face and are misunderstood, we have an on-the-spot opportunity to rephrase our words. In writing, we must strive twice as hard to be understood, as we do not have the benefit of modifying or elaborating in real time. All caps (“I’M SHOUTING”) and exclamation points (“Give me a break!!!”) can be misinterpreted as intense anger or humor without the appropriate context.
• If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online. When you’re working online, you’re safe behind a screen, but that’s no excuse to be ill-mannered or say things you would never say in public.
• Don’t assume everyone understands where you’re coming from. Sarcasm and wit is often the spice of in-person conversation, but in online discussion, it can not only lose its edge, it can bite! In your high school classroom, all students were the same age, came from similar backgrounds and lived in the same area. In contrast, your online classroom is made up of people of all ages and cultures who have varied backgrounds, lifestyles and geographic locations. With this in mind, review what you wrote before contributing to the conversation and ask yourself, “Will everyone get the joke?”
• Don’t spam. Please don’t take advantage of your connection with the other students in your online classroom to forward emails and links regarding your political/spiritual beliefs or to sell your services.
• Use emoticons. In casual chatroom settings, emoticons can help convey feelings that may otherwise get lost in translation, including humor, exasperation, exhaustion and even confusion.
• Respect others’ privacy. Don’t give out another student’s personal email address without permission.
• Remember, if it’s on the internet, it’s everywhere. Don’t share personal information about yourself in a public online forum, especially something that could put your safety or security at risk.
• Follow the rules. Just as your online college posts guidelines related to academic integrity and student expectations , online forums also have rules of conduct. Make a point to read them every time, as they can vary from class to class.
• Forgive and forget. If you’re offended by something another student says online, keep in mind that you may have misunderstood their intentions. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

At UTEP, your success as a student, whether online or in the physical classrooms, is our priority. If you are interested in learning more student success tips, follow our blog and our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for daily ideas and suggestions. And if you are not yet one or our students, or are considering starting or finishing a degree online, explore your options in a discussion with our enrollment team. Reach out to us, and one of our enrollment counselors will contact you directly to answer any questions related to UTEP Connect and our 100%-online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs .

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10 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know

By Ashley Brooks on 01/28/2019

Proper etiquette is nothing new for most people. You grew up with your parents constantly telling you to mind your manners. But in a digital age where the unwritten online “rules” are constantly changing, proper “netiquette” may seem a bit mystifying. Add in the atmosphere of an online classroom, and suddenly the proper netiquette guidelines don’t seem as easy as a simple “please” and “thank you.”

As you might have guessed, netiquette is essentially rules and norms for interacting with others on the internet in a considerate, respectful way. We enlisted several experts to set some guidelines to make sure your online manners are up to par.

10 Netiquette guidelines every online student needs to know

Learn how to be on your best behavior in an online classroom with 10 netiquette guidelines every online student needs to know.

1. NO YELLING, PLEASE

There’s a time and a place for everything—BUT IN MOST SITUATIONS TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS INAPPROPRIATE. Most readers tend to perceive it as shouting and will have a hard time taking what you say seriously, no matter how intelligent your response may be. If you have vision issues, there are ways to adjust how text displays so you can still see without coming across as angry or upset.

This is true for both posting to online course walls or discussions—like those found in online programs at Rasmussen University—and with personal email communications with your professors and advisors. Using appropriate capitalization and focusing on your tone when writing will give your virtual communication a boost.

2. Sarcasm can (and will) backfire

Sarcasm has been the source of plenty of misguided arguments online, as it can be incredibly difficult to understand the commenter’s intent. What may seem like an obvious joke to you could come across as off-putting or rude to those who don’t know you personally. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an online classroom. Instead, lean toward being polite and direct in the way you communicate to avoid these issues.

3. Don’t abuse the chat box

Chat boxes are incorporated into many online classes as a place for students to share ideas and ask questions related to the lesson. It can be a helpful resource or a major distraction—it all depends on how well students know their classroom netiquette.

“Rather than asking relevant questions or giving clear answers, students might use the chat box to ask questions irrelevant to the discussion, or to talk about an unrelated topic,” says Erin Lynch, senior educator at Test Innovators . The class chat box isn’t an instant messenger like you’d use with friends. Treat it like the learning tool it’s meant to be, and try not to distract your classmates with off-topic discussions. Use it instead to ask relevant questions and participate in class when the professor asks.

4. Attempt to find your own answer

If you’re confused or stuck on an assignment, your first instinct may be to immediately ask your instructor a question. But before you ask, take the time to try to figure it out on your own.

For questions related to class structure, such as due dates or policies, refer to your syllabus and course FAQ. Attempt to find the answers to any other questions on your own using a search engine. If your questions remain unanswered after a bit of effort, feel free to bring them up with your instructor.

At Rasmussen University, you’ll also have lots of support outside of the classroom too including 24/7 technology support, student advisors, and library services to help you find answers about your classwork, technology access, or curriculum plan.

5. Stop ... grammar time!

Always make an effort to use proper punctuation, spelling and grammar. Trying to decipher a string of misspelled words with erratic punctuation frustrates the reader and distracts from the point of your message. While this is something you should pay attention for all your virtual communication, it’s especially important for the papers and assignments you’ll turn in. If grammar and spelling are generally a weakness for you, don’t get discouraged. At Rasmussen University, you’ll have access to the library’s writing lab where you can submit a paper to receive feedback on both your grammar and your writing overall.

On the flip side of this, it’s important to be reasonable about others’ grammar mistakes. Nobody likes the grammar police, so scolding a classmate because they used “your” instead of “you’re” isn’t practicing proper netiquette.

6. Set a respectful tone

“An increasingly common netiquette faux pas is treating e-correspondence with faculty and staff as an ongoing chat among friends,” says Alexey Timbul, online professor at the Academy of Art University .

Every day may feel like casual Friday in an online classroom where you don’t see anyone in person, but a certain level of formality is still expected in your communication with instructors. In addition to proper punctuation and spelling, it’s good netiquette to use respectful greetings and signatures, full sentences and even the same old “please” and “thank you” you use in real life.

7. Submit files the right way

You won’t be printing assignments and handing to them to your teacher in person, so knowing how to properly submit your work online is key to your success as an online student. Online course instructors often establish ground rules for file assignment submissions, like naming conventions that help them keep things organized or acceptable file formats. Ignoring these instructions is a common example of bad netiquette.

“Receiving work that does not adhere to the file format and naming protocol means a student is not paying attention,” says Timbul. If you don’t follow instructions, you’re taking the risk that your instructor won’t be able to find or open your assignment. Save yourself and your instructor a headache and read their instructions carefully before submitting.

8. Read first

Take some time to read through each of the previous discussion post responses before writing your own response. If the original post asked a specific question, there’s a good chance someone has already answered it. Submitting an answer that is eerily similar to a classmate’s indicates to the instructor that you haven’t paid attention to the conversation thus far.

Remember, discussions can move fairly quickly so it’s important to absorb all of the information before crafting your reply. Building upon a classmate’s thought or attempting to add something new to the conversation will show your instructor you’ve been paying attention.

9. Think before you type

A passing comment spoken in class can be forgotten a few minutes later, but what you share in an online classroom is part of a permanent digital record. “Whether or not privacy settings are in place, the internet has a tendency to house things forever, and what you say privately can easily become public,” advises etiquette expert Devoreaux Walton.

Not only is it good practice to be guarded when it comes to personal information, you always want to be just as respectful toward others as you would be if you were sitting in the same room together. Zink says a good rule of thumb to follow is if you’re comfortable standing up in front of a classroom and saying your message, then it’s most likely okay to share.

10. Be kind and professional

Online communication comes with a level of anonymity that doesn’t exist when you’re talking to someone face-to-face. Sometimes this leads people to behave rudely when they disagree with one another. Online students probably don’t have the complete anonymity that comes with using a screen name, but you could still fall prey to treating someone poorly because of the distance between screens. Make a point to be kind and respectful in your comments—even if you disagree with someone.

“At the core, all of these mistakes come down to forgetting that an online classroom is still a classroom,” Lynch says. “Good netiquette means conducting yourself in an online class with the same respect, politeness and professionalism that you would exhibit in a real-life classroom.”

Plus, practicing professional communication skills while you’re in school will serve you will in the workplace as well—whether you end up working remotely or not. Rasmussen University places a special emphasis on practicing transferable skills that you can take from the classroom to the workplace.

Practice makes perfect

You’ve just completed your crash course in netiquette guidelines, so go out there and post like the well-mannered student you are! If you’re looking to get started in an online program, check out the fully-online degree options at Rasmussen University.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014. It has since been updated.

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About the author

Ashley Brooks

Ashley is a freelance writer for Collegis education who writes student-focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen University. She believes in the power of words and knowledge and enjoys using both to encourage others on their learning journeys

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Netiquette: 7 questions to ask yourself before attending your next online class or meeting

As schools, universities and businesses across the globe moved face-to-face interaction online during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, there were bound to be a few hiccups. During our “new normal,” how can we cut down on some of the frustrations that online classes and meetings can bring? One answer is to mind your netiquette!

Internet etiquette, or netiquette, refers to the current code of accepted online behavior. And there are more rules than you may think when it comes to having good netiquette. From making sure your microphone works BEFORE your meeting to remembering humans are behind your screens and everything in-between, these tips will help you navigate the waters.

Here are the seven most important questions to ask yourself before attending your next online class or virtual meeting – use them to keep your netiquette in check.

What will I do if I experience technical difficulties?

First, let’s clear one thing up – technical difficulties are to be expected as everyone transitions to working and learning in an online environment. And we all have to accept that. However, what’s netiquette rule number one? Don’t announce that you’re having technical difficulties to the group. Especially if someone is in the middle of speaking – don’t interrupt. Instead, work to troubleshoot on your own by finding the “help” or “support” page for your platform.

For example, here are the support pages for two popular platforms:

• Blackboard troubleshooting
• Zoom troubleshooting

The only exception to this rule is if you’re the one running the course or meeting. In that case, you’ll want to let everyone know you’re working quickly to fix the issue. Of course, you should test the platform before your start time to prevent issues, but that’s not always possible.

Am I arriving late?

If you’re arriving late, don’t barge in on an ongoing conversation to announce your arrival – unless you’re called upon. This is as rude online as it would be if you did it in person and can be very disruptive to the class or meeting. Aside from showing up early or at least on time, proper netiquette is to wait your turn and refrain from interrupting. Once others are done speaking, that’s your queue to contribute to the discussion.

Is my camera on? Should it be?

You should ALWAYS know whether or not your camera is on. Not knowing your every move is visible to the group can lead to some very embarrassing moments. So, if you have anything distracting going on around you, if you’re eating, if there’s anything inappropriate in the background, etc. – turn your camera off!

On the opposite side, in some meetings and courses, proper netiquette is to make sure your camera is ON. If everyone else has their camera on, you should too. In that case, you need to keep a few things in mind:

• Know what’s showing in the background – even if you’re at home, you’ll need to find a way to keep it as professional as possible. We’d recommend using a lightly decorated wall or bookcase that has no glimpses of dishes or dirty clothes in the background. Yuck!
• It’s also always a good idea, especially if you’re calling in from home, to let everyone around you know that you’re about to hop on a video call , so they too can make sure they remain professional and out of the camera’s view.
• Lastly, make sure you stay engaged in the conversation – once you’re on camera, don’t forget you’re on camera. If you’re not engaged in the conversation, it’ll be very obvious to the group and can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional.

Am I muted… or not?

This one is huge. Those who are familiar with online classes or meetings know this all too well: The leader of the discussion asks someone a question, which is followed by an awkward silence. Then, “Sorry, I was on mute.” It happens to the best of us but that doesn’t make it less disruptive. Likewise, the opposite occurs: There’s a dog barking, baby crying or some other distracting background noise coming in, making hard for everyone else to concentrate.

How can we prevent both of these situations? Here are the basics:

• First, pick the right place to attend your class or meeting – somewhere that’s reasonably quiet and predictable.
• Stay present in the discussion and be ready to unmute yourself to answer questions or contribute to the conversation.
• Mute your microphone whenever you’re not talking. You should also mute yourself if you need to: cough or sneeze, shuffle around papers, quiet your barking dog or anything else that will make enough noise to interrupt the group.
• Also, please don’t breathe directly into your microphone – no one wants to hear that!

Am I speaking (and typing) at a normal volume?

NO YELLING PLEASE! In most situations, speaking at a “normal” volume is appreciated and it’s no different online. If you get feedback that the group can’t hear you, it doesn’t mean you need to immediately start speaking at an abnormally loud volume. First, make sure you’re close enough to your microphone. Then, take your volume up a notch or two, test it out and revise. The key is to refrain from shouting.

Similarly, typing in all caps isn’t appropriate because most readers will perceive it as shouting. Even if what you have to say is insightful, others may not read it that way when you type in all caps. Use sentence case for proper netiquette.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of us need to speak up – especially online. If you’re normally soft-spoken, you may need to increase your volume quite a bit for everyone to hear you clearly. This doesn’t mean you’ll need to shout, but you have to speak loudly enough for the microphone to register all of your words.

Will I be able to stay focused here?

Another key component of netiquette when attending an online class or meeting is to stay focused and engaged. It may be tempting to check your email, respond to a text or start a side conversation with someone else but do your absolute best to avoid this – just as it’s rude to start texting in the middle of an in-person conversation, it’s rude online too. Ensure you’ll be able to stay focused by choosing the right setting to log on, eliminating distractions around you and preparing to engage in the discussion.

Did I check my spelling and grammar?

Are you posting something for discussion or commenting in the meeting chat? Check your spelling and grammar before you post. It’s easy to forget that you’re in a formal setting when it’s online, so make a conscious effort to put your best foot forward. You’ll begin to lose credibility with your peers when your sentences don’t make sense or if you have words spelled incorrectly. Using the correct spelling, grammar and formatting will also increase the readability of your posts and make for better discussion.

What’s next?

The biggest thing to remember is this – if you wouldn’t do it in person, don’t do it online. Now that you’re up to date on your netiquette, it’s time to shine. Check out these 5 tips for succeeding in online classes >

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Core Rules of Netiquette

Netiquette, or network etiquette, is concerned with the "proper" way to communicate in an online environment. Consider the following "rules," adapted from Virginia Shea's The Core Rules of Netiquette , whenever you communicate in the virtual world.

Rule 1: Remember the Human

When communicating electronically, whether through email, instant message, discussion post, text, or some other method, practice the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Remember, your written words are read by real people, all deserving of respectful communication. Before you press "send" or "submit," ask yourself, "Would I be okay with this if someone else had written it?"

Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life

While it can be argued that standards of behavior may be different in the virtual world, they certainly should not be lower. You should do your best to act within the laws and ethical manners of society whenever you inhabit "cyberspace." Would you behave rudely to someone face-to-face? On most occasions, no. Neither should you behave this way in the virtual world.

Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

"Netiquette varies from domain to domain." (Shea, 1994) Depending on where you are in the virtual world, the same written communication can be acceptable in one area, where it might be considered inappropriate in another. What you text to a friend may not be appropriate in an email to a classmate or colleague. Can you think of another example?

Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth

Electronic communication takes time: time to read and time in which to respond. Most people today lead busy lives, just like you do, and don't have time to read or respond to frivolous emails or discussion posts. As a virtual world communicator, it is your responsibility to make sure that the time spent reading your words isn't wasted. Make your written communication meaningful and to the point, without extraneous text or superfluous graphics or attachments that may take forever to download.

Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

• Always check for spelling and grammar errors
• Know what you're talking about and state it clearly
• Be pleasant and polite

Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

The Internet offers its users many benefits; one is the ease in which information can be shared or accessed and in fact, this "information sharing" capability is one of the reasons the Internet was founded. So in the spirit of the Internet's "founding fathers," share what you know! When you post a question and receive intelligent answers, share the results with others. Are you an expert at something? Post resources and references about your subject matter. Recently expanded your knowledge about a subject that might be of interest to others? Share that as well.

Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

What is meant by "flaming" and "flame wars?" "Flaming is what people do when they express a strongly held opinion without holding back any emotion." (Shea, 1994). As an example, think of the kinds of passionate comments you might read on a sports blog. While "flaming" is not necessarily forbidden in virtual communication, "flame wars," when two or three people exchange angry posts between one another, must be controlled or the camaraderie of the group could be compromised. Don't feed the flames; extinguish them by guiding the discussion back to a more productive direction.

Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy

Depending on what you are reading in the virtual world, be it an online class discussion forum, Facebook page, or an email, you may be exposed to some private or personal information that needs to be handled with care. Perhaps someone is sharing some medical news about a loved one or discussing a situation at work. What do you think would happen if this information "got into the wrong hands?" Embarrassment? Hurt feelings? Loss of a job? Just as you expect others to respect your privacy, so should you respect the privacy of others. Be sure to err on the side of caution when deciding to discuss or not to discuss virtual communication.

Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

Just like in face-to-face situations, there are people in cyberspace who have more "power" than others. They have more expertise in technology or they have years of experience in a particular skill or subject matter. Maybe it's you who posesses all of this knowledge and power! Just remember: knowing more than others do or having more power than others may have does not give you the right to take advantage of anyone. Think of Rule 1: Remember the human.

Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Not everyone has the same amount of experience working in the virtual world. And not everyone knows the rules of netiquette. At some point, you will see a stupid question, read an unnecessarily long response, or encounter misspelled words; when this happens, practice kindness and forgiveness as you would hope someone would do if you had committed the same offense. If it's a minor "offense," you might want to let it slide. If you feel compelled to respond to a mistake, do so in a private email rather than a public forum.

Adapted from The Core Rules of Netiquette Shea, V. (1994). Core rules of netiquette. Netiquette (Online ed., pp. 32-45). San Francisco: Albion Books.

Website Builders.com

Netiquette: A Lesson Plan For Students (With Discussion Topics & Activities)

• 1 Objective
• 2 Instructions
• 3 Discussion
• 4 Activities
• 5 Discussion Answer Guide

To understand proper behavior when communicating online.

Instructions

Have students read the following articles:

• Why are rules of conduct important when communicating online?
• What rules should keep in mind when online?
• What are some good things to do in your online communication?
• What are some things to avoid?
• What are some useful abbreviations to use in your messages?
• How can you convey emotions in an electronic message?
• What are FAQs and why are they important?

1.Divide the class into pairs. Have one person send a message to his or her partner that violates email etiquette. Ask the recipient to correct the message and return it to the sender.

2.Have students use a search engine to find some online FAQs. Review them with the class to get a general idea of the content.

3.Have students test their knowledge with our interactive Netiquette Quiz .

Discussion Answer Guide

Just like we expect other drivers to follow the rules of the road, there are many unspoken rules of etiquette for communication online. Following these rules ensures clear communication, and prevents misunderstandings and hard feelings.

Any of the rules listed in Netiquette and Email Etiquette are acceptable answers.

Using common acronyms, smileys, clear subject lines; thinking twice before you send an email or post online; or consulting a website’s FAQ are all acceptable answers.

Using all capital letters, writing lengthy emails, posting spam, or sending emails to a large number of recipients are all things to avoid.

LOL, BTW, ROFL, IMHO, and BRB are common abbreviations that will be understood by most readers.

Emotions can be conveyed by using smileys.

FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. Consulting a FAQ is a quick and easy way to find the information you’re looking for without having to wait for a response to your question.

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Computers — Internet

Essays on Internet

Recommended internet essay topics.

• The impact of artificial intelligence on internet services
• Advancements in cloud computing and their implications for businesses
• The role of blockchain technology in ensuring online security and transparency
• Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential to revolutionize everyday life
• The future of 5G technology and its impact on internet connectivity

Social Media

• The influence of social media on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions
• The ethical implications of targeted advertising on social media platforms
• The role of social media in shaping political discourse and public opinion
• The impact of social media on mental health and well-being
• The rise of influencer culture and its impact on social media trends

Online Culture

• The evolution of online gaming communities and their impact on gaming culture
• The phenomenon of viral internet memes and their cultural significance
• The rise of online dating and its impact on traditional relationship dynamics
• The influence of internet subcultures on mainstream culture and media
• The role of online platforms in fostering creativity and artistic expression

Digital Innovation

• The emergence of virtual reality technology and its potential applications
• The impact of e-commerce on traditional retail and consumer behavior
• The role of digital marketing in shaping brand identity and consumer engagement
• The future of cybersecurity in the age of digital transformation
• The ethical considerations of data privacy and surveillance in the digital age

Online Communication

• The evolution of online communication: from email to social media
• The influence of online communication on language and writing skills
• The psychology of online interactions and the concept of "digital identity"
• The impact of online dating and relationships in the digital age
• The role of online communication in fostering global connections and understanding

Internet and Education

• The benefits and challenges of online learning
• The impact of technology on traditional education methods
• The role of the internet in providing access to educational resources for all
• The influence of online research on academic writing and plagiarism
• The future of education in a digitally connected world

Online Business and E-commerce

• The growth of online shopping and its impact on traditional retail
• The role of social media in digital marketing and brand promotion
• The challenges of cybersecurity for online businesses
• The impact of online reviews and ratings on consumer behavior
• The future of e-commerce and the influence of emerging technologies

Internet and Politics

• The influence of social media on political discourse and activism
• The role of online news and misinformation in shaping public opinion
• The impact of online fundraising and campaigning on political elections
• The implications of government surveillance and online privacy laws
• The future of democracy and governance in the digital age

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The Impact of The Internet on Society's Everyday Life

Impact of internet on the mental health of the younger generation, pillars of internet of everything (ioe) and recent developments in them, the issue of gaming & internet crime, advanteges of the internet, cyber crime and internet privacy, the rising problem of internet addiction in children, internet paradox: a social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being, what is dns cache poisoning, social media pros and cons, digital trust: discussion on whether we will be able to trust in technology, live streaming webcast for your business, torrenting: illegal downloading and file sharing, online business and mobile technology, search engine traffic for low ranking blogs, different sources of digital entertainment, the impact of internet on younger generations, cyber bullying, its effects and ways to stop, internet of things devices review, internet and cell phone addiction, relevant topics.

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Freiheit an Bord

Vom 14. Mai bis 15. September ist die MS Wissenschaft unterwegs in Deutschland und Österreich

Mit an Bord des Ausstellungsschiffes sind Exponate von zwei Max-Planck-Instituten, dem MPI für Bildungsforschung und dem Kunsthistorischen Institut in Florenz. An drei Podcast-Stationen sprechen sieben Max-Planck-Forscherinnen und Forscher über Freiheit, das Motto des Wissenschaftsjahres 2024.

Am 14. Mai startete die MS Wissenschaft in Berlin ihre viermonatige Tour durch rund 30 Städte in Deutschland und Österreich.

© Ilja C. Hendel / Wissenschaft im Dialog, CC BY-SA 4.0

Eine Treppe führt hinab in den Frachtraum des 102 Meter langen Schiffes. Nach dem sie einen Aufenthaltsraum durchqueren, tauchen die  Besucherinnen und Besucher ein in eine bunte Welt: Die Themenschwerpunkte, die um Freiheit kreisen, von Philosophie, über Kunst und Politik hin zu konkreten Beispielen wie der Bedrohungen durch den Klimawandel, die Entwicklung künstlicher Intelligenz und Desinformation auf Social Media-Plattformen sind farbig markiert.

Die Kunst der Freiheit

Was hat Kunst mit Freiheit zu tun? Das Exponat des Kunsthistorischen Instituts in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut zeigt anhand verschiedener Beispiele, wie vielschichtig das Verhältnis von Kunst und Freiheit, und wie wichtig ein kritischer Umgang mit Bildern ist.

© Ilja C. Hendel / Wissenschaft im Dialog, CC BY-NC 4.0

Der Rundgang beginnt mit einem Exponat des Kunsthistorischen Instituts (KHI) in Florenz: Wie trägt Kunst zu einer freiheitlichen Gesellschaft bei? Wann ist sie mit Zensur konfrontiert, und in welchen Ländern? Welche Formen des Protestes gibt es? Bildkarten mit Gemälden, Graffitis, aber auch mit Performances oder Filmstills  können mit konkreten Fragen kombiniert und an drei Tafeln geheftet werden. So entsteht ein vielschichtiges und widersprüchliches Zusammenspiel, das zum Nachdenken und Diskutieren über die Grenzen der Kunstfreiheit und die „Kunst der Freiheit“ einlädt.

Im Grundgesetz, in Talkshows, in der Popmusik: Der Freiheitsbegriff ist in unserer Gesellschaft allgegenwärtig. Nur: Was ist damit eigentlich genau gemeint? Marietta Auer vom MPI für Rechtsgeschichte und Rechtstheorie spricht an der ersten Podcast-Station über das Freiheitsideal der Französischen Revolution und der Aufklärung, und darüber, warum Freiheit für Immanuel Kant immer auch Verantwortung bedeutete.

In weiteren Podcasts, die in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Podcastradio detektor.fm entstanden, kommen noch Ulrike Bialas zu Wort, die mehr als drei Jahre lang junge Erwachsene in Berlin begleitet hat, die aus ihren Heimatländern fliehen mussten, oder Michael Kilchling, der der Frage nachgeht, ob der Staat zu viel überwacht.

Wie beeinflussen uns Gene und Gesellschaft?

Laurel Raffington vom MPI für Bildungsforschung stellt ihr Exponat "Genetic Pinball" vor.

© Barbara Abrell

​ „Ich bin reich geboren“, jubelt ein Schüler, der gerade „Genetic Pinball“ spielt. Dann rollt die Kugel im virtuellen Flipper-Automaten. Vieles was sein weiteres Leben spielerisch mitbestimmt, das wird dem Jugendlichen schnell klar, ist Zufall und – je nachdem wohin die Kugel springt – ein komplexes Zusammenspiel zwischen genetischer Veranlagung und gesellschaftlichen Strukturen, unsere Gesundheit beispielsweise oder unserer schulischer Erfolg. Nur auf manches hat man direkt Einfluss.

Das interaktive Spiel hat Laurel Raffington vom MPI für Bildungsforschung in Berlin zusammen mit Spiele-Entwicklern von Purple Sloth Studio erdacht. Im Verlauf des Spiels haben Besucherinnen und Besucher als Teil der Gesellschaft die Freiheit, die gesellschaftlichen Strukturen neu zu gestalten. „Wie würdest Du sie verändern?“ Eine Frage, die gar nicht so leicht ist für einen 16-Jährigen: „Gerechte Bildungschancen für alle wären nicht schlecht“, meint er.

Kann künstliche Intelligenz mit moralischen Dilemmas umgehen? 

Selbstfahrende autonome Fahrzeuge werden in Zukunft Teil des Straßenverkehrs sein. Bei Unfällen trifft dann ein Algorithmus ohne menschliche Aufsicht Entscheidungen über Leben und Tod. Das bedeutet, dass eine künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bestimmt, wer beispielsweise bei Bremsversagen zu retten ist, die Personen innerhalb oder außerhalb des Fahrzeugs?

Mithilfe eines Online-Experiments hat Iyad Rahwan vom MPI für Bildungsforschung seit 2015 Entscheidungen von über 80 Millionen Menschen weltweit gesammelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es je nach Kultur und Land Unterschiede in der moralischen Beurteilung gibt. Sein Experiment, das man auf einem Monitor nachvollziehen kann,  lädt zum Nachdenken über ethische Grundsätze von KI-Systemen ein und zeigt: Es ist schwierig, sich weltweit auf ein Regelwerk für eine „Maschinenethik“ zu einigen.

Zeit zum Entspannen

Wer vom Rundgang mit mehr als 30 Exponaten müde ist, kann sich an zwei weiteren Podcast-Stationen niederlassen. In dem Ausstellungsbereich, der um digitale Freiheit kreist, spricht Phillipp Lorenz-Spreen darüber, wie Social Media die Demokratie beeinflusst, oder Pascal Langenbach darüber, ob Maschinen fair entscheiden können.

In dem Bereich Wissenschaftsfreiheit dreht sich vieles um die Frage, wem Wissen gehört. Dagmar Schäfer vom MPI für Wissenschaftsgeschichte, geht dem am Beispiel des Gerbens von Leder nach, das für den Aufstiege des römischen Imperiums von Bedeutung war. Jürgen Renn, Direktor am neu gegründeten MPI für Geoanthropologie, stellt die Frage, wie politisch Wissenschaft sein darf. Da der  Mensch zum bestimmenden Faktor für das gesamte Erdsystem geworden ist - vom Klimawandel bis zur Artenvielfalt - habe Wissenschaft die Verantwortung, die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Mensch und Erde zu erklären, meint Jürgen Renn, und sich dabei auch mit Personen auseinanderzusetzen, die den Klimawandel leugnen und Wissenschaft skeptisch gegenüberstehen.

Text: Barbara Abrell

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Jens Beckert, Direktor am Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung, skizziert in diesem Essay, warum die Sozialwissenschaften einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Bewältigung der Klimakrise leisten

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