Communication and collaboration is one of the key aspects of digital literacy. It refers to the ability to express yourself, communicate information and exchange ideas in the digital environment in an effective and responsible manner.
Netiquette refers to a set of guidelines on "courteous communication in the online environment". [1] It describes the proper manners for communicating on the internet, including various means such as e-mail, social media, discussion forums, and other online platforms.
As we interact with others online, it is important to note that the same social etiquette rules should apply online as they do offline. For example, to be courteous and friendly to others, to respect individuals’ differences and be considerate. In short, we should treat others in the same way we want to be treated.
[1] Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Netiquette. Britannica Academic. https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/netiquette/627507
Shea (2011) has outlined 10 core rules of netiquette which described the basic guidelines people should observe as they interact with others in the digital environment.
Rule 1 Remember the human
When you communicate with others in the virtual environment, remember that you are talking to a real person. When you are not sure how you should express your ideas or thoughts, pause and think about how others would understand your message.
Rule 2 Same standards of behavior
Adhere to the same standards of behavior online as you would in real life.
Rule 3 Know where you are in cyberspace
Be aware of the differences as you interact with people in different virtual environments and contexts. For example, the acceptable netiquette (e.g. languages, emoticons, etc.) in a conversation through Instagram would be different from that in the discussion forum of your course.
Rule 4 Respect other people’s time and bandwidth
Time and bandwidth (or internet data) are limited resources. People who receive your message will need to spend time and bandwidth to respond to it. Therefore, direct your message to the right person instead of sending it to a whole group of people. While sending a message takes little effort, we should be cautious of the possible side-effect of bulk e-mailing.
Rule 5 Make yourself look good online
Review your emails, messages, and posts, especially those that are important, to make sure there are no mis-spellings and grammatical mistakes. It will make communication more effective and make a good impression. Do not share anything, including texts and images, that are illegal, violent, explicit, inappropriate, or embarrassing. While in many occasions, we remain somewhat anonymous in a virtual conversation, we should not abuse the anonymity.
Rule 6 Share expert knowledge
Consider the internet as a global community for knowledge sharing. Taking advantage of the convenience of the internet, you are encouraged to share your knowledge, expertise and experience so that others could benefit from your input.
Rule 7 Respect different views
When you express your views on the internet, you are actually making a public statement. Therefore, it is expected that there will be opposing views out there. Even if you have a strongly held opinion, it is important to respect different views. Give comments and feedback that are constructive and useful.
Rule 8 Respect other people’s privacy
As in real life, make sure you do not infringe on others’ privacy. If you are given access to certain personal information (e.g. a photo of your friend), it does not necessarily mean that you have the right to share it further. If you are not sure, ask before you share.
Rule 9 Don’t abuse your power
If you are the administrator of a website, online forum or any online platforms, you will have some privileges over the others. It is important that you exercise the rights with responsibilities.
Rule 10 Forgive other people's mistakes
Be forgiving to other people’s mistakes. If you want to ask someone to correct a mistake he/she made (e.g. mis-spellings, typos, etc.), ask politely, and preferably in private rather than in public.
Shea, V. (2011). The Core Rules of Netiquette. Netiquette Homepage. http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Learn more about the rules of Netiquette:
Find out the Do's and Don'ts as you communicate in a virtual environment:
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