Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes referred to, is a basic set of rules pertaining to behaviour that needs to be followed to ensure the Internet is better for all users. Basically it means “the use of good manners in online communication such as e-mail, forums, blogs, and social networking sites
Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes referred to, is a basic set of rules pertaining to behaviour that needs to be followed to ensure the Internet is better for all users. Basically it means “the use of good manners in online communication such as e-mail, forums, blogs, and social networking sites” (Digital Citizenship, Auburn University. n.d.).
Etiquette, the word, means “The forms required by good breeding or prescribed by authority in social or official life”. The origins of the word stems from the French word “ticket”; if you knew the etiquette for the group or society you would have a ‘ticket’ to gain access (Shea, V. 2004).
Importance of Netiquette
So why is netiquette so important? When we communicate face- to-face, it is important to note that 55% of the communication is made up of body language, 38% is the tone of voice, with the remaining 7% being the actual words (Psychology Today (Thompson, J. 2011). When communicating on a phone we lose the body language component but the tone is still there to support the message. However, communicating online, or in the written form, we lost 93% of the communication – the words become the sole mechanism for communication! As a result misunderstandings occur without these non-verbal cues.
So how do we provide these non-verbal cues in digital communication? Informally we use emoticons to aid the message, but formally this is a lot harder. Most formal communication occurs within a business context, so netiquette becomes vital in our communication as businesses rely heavily on building and maintaining relationships.
Netiquette is even more important when we consider the longevity and the reach of the communication. The lack of netiquette can cause substantial problems in the workplace and schooling. Although there has been a reduction in poor netiquette, it is still an issue that has ramifications beyond socially acceptable norms
Etiquette and Business
Business is about building relationships, which at times can take years. Creating the rapport is incredibly important in establishing trust, authenticity and credibility. Any disregard for netiquette can break this down with a single email, post or online comment. It is key for businesses to focus on the digital skills of their employees; moreover the focus should be on communication with a nuance on digital communication.
Etiquette and Society
We know that the socio-cultural environment has the deepest, strongest, and perhaps most prevailing effect on social behaviour. In fact etiquette are societal norms, therefore netiquette would be the rules society dictates we utilise when we are online.
The Online Disinhibition Effect
People disclose or act out more frequently, at times more intensely, when they are online. More so than when they are off- line. Because of this loss of inhibition, users show tendencies, such as being more affectionate, more open, and less guarded, in an attempt to achieve emotional well being (Suler, 2004)
Role of Rules and Policy
We communicate daily, be it in a social, business or academic context, and the way in which we engage will differ. Without any form of ‘guidelines’ or rather rules and policy on conduct, our interactions will degenerate and result in negative consequences. (N)Etiquette is all about the code of behaviour established for communicating and behaving
Electronic Standards of Conduct
Electronic Standards of Conduct is a set of standards on social, environmental and ethical issues within the context it is provided. Most companies have such standards, often referred to as Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This is often used as a guideline for employees and users, but also in terms of managing staff. Given that employees represent the company, even outside of their normal working hours, therefore some standards need to be in place. Employees in breach of these standards may find themselves without a job, as it is seen as part of their contract with the company.
Virginia Shea’s Netiquette Guidelines
These guidelines will differ, in terms of the context and the medium available. However, there are some core principles that we need to be aware of and adhere to. According to Shea (1994), an academic who has been dubbed the ‘network manners guru’, these guidelines are:
1. Remember the Human Never forget that the person reading your communication is actually a person with feelings and can get hurt. Essentially never say anything online that wouldn’t say to your reader’s face.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behaviour online that you follow in real life Be ethical in your engagement and know that breaking the law is bad netiquette.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace The netiquette required will differ from domain to domain. If you are in a forum of experts, your netiquette should reflect respect. Whereas if you are in a chat room with a group of friends (you know in real life) then the netiquette will differ!
4.Respect other people’s time and bandwidth When sharing files or documents, bear in mind the audience’s bandwidth. Furthermore, make sure you read the FAQs first before asking mundane questions where the answers already exist. If you disagree with a group’s discussion, don’t waste their (or your) time by telling them how stupid they are: Just stay away.
5. Make yourself look good online Check grammar and spelling before you post. Most people judge others’ intelligence based on the use of grammar and spelling. Only post on things you know about, it is not worth it to look like the fool.
6. Share expert knowledge Offer answers and help others where you can
. 7. Help keep flame wars under control Don’t respond to flame-bait, don’t post spelling or grammar flames, and apologise if you have done so or perpetuated a flame-war. 8. Respect other people’s privacy Don’t give out other people’s details, online or offline.
9. Don’t abuse your power The more power you have, the more important it is how you use it.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes We all were once a newb (and no we don’t mean noob – those who know little and have no will to learn any more).
Bad Etiquette Examples
Although these are not the only examples of bad netiquette these examples may give an idea of the things that are taboo:
Don't type in CAPS – it is considered shouting
Don’t spam
Don’t use offensive language
Don’t steal other people’s identity
Don’t distribute illegal material
Don’t flood
Don’t expect a response straight away
Don’t broadcast only; engage with others
Don’t ‘reply-all’ for a personal conversation
Don’t ask a question that can be found on the site or on Google” (Melin, 2013).
Etiquette, the word, means “The forms required by good breeding or prescribed by authority in social or official life”. The origins of the word stems from the French word “ticket”; if you knew the etiquette for the group or society you would have a ‘ticket’ to gain access (Shea, V. 2004).
Importance of Netiquette
So why is netiquette so important? When we communicate face- to-face, it is important to note that 55% of the communication is made up of body language, 38% is the tone of voice, with the remaining 7% being the actual words (Psychology Today (Thompson, J. 2011). When communicating on a phone we lose the body language component but the tone is still there to support the message. However, communicating online, or in the written form, we lost 93% of the communication – the words become the sole mechanism for communication! As a result misunderstandings occur without these non-verbal cues.
So how do we provide these non-verbal cues in digital communication? Informally we use emoticons to aid the message, but formally this is a lot harder. Most formal communication occurs within a business context, so netiquette becomes vital in our communication as businesses rely heavily on building and maintaining relationships.
Netiquette is even more important when we consider the longevity and the reach of the communication. The lack of netiquette can cause substantial problems in the workplace and schooling. Although there has been a reduction in poor netiquette, it is still an issue that has ramifications beyond socially acceptable norms
Etiquette and Business
Business is about building relationships, which at times can take years. Creating the rapport is incredibly important in establishing trust, authenticity and credibility. Any disregard for netiquette can break this down with a single email, post or online comment. It is key for businesses to focus on the digital skills of their employees; moreover the focus should be on communication with a nuance on digital communication.
Etiquette and Society
We know that the socio-cultural environment has the deepest, strongest, and perhaps most prevailing effect on social behaviour. In fact etiquette are societal norms, therefore netiquette would be the rules society dictates we utilise when we are online.
The Online Disinhibition Effect
People disclose or act out more frequently, at times more intensely, when they are online. More so than when they are off- line. Because of this loss of inhibition, users show tendencies, such as being more affectionate, more open, and less guarded, in an attempt to achieve emotional well being (Suler, 2004)
Role of Rules and Policy
We communicate daily, be it in a social, business or academic context, and the way in which we engage will differ. Without any form of ‘guidelines’ or rather rules and policy on conduct, our interactions will degenerate and result in negative consequences. (N)Etiquette is all about the code of behaviour established for communicating and behaving
Electronic Standards of Conduct
Electronic Standards of Conduct is a set of standards on social, environmental and ethical issues within the context it is provided. Most companies have such standards, often referred to as Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This is often used as a guideline for employees and users, but also in terms of managing staff. Given that employees represent the company, even outside of their normal working hours, therefore some standards need to be in place. Employees in breach of these standards may find themselves without a job, as it is seen as part of their contract with the company.
Virginia Shea’s Netiquette Guidelines
These guidelines will differ, in terms of the context and the medium available. However, there are some core principles that we need to be aware of and adhere to. According to Shea (1994), an academic who has been dubbed the ‘network manners guru’, these guidelines are:
1. Remember the Human Never forget that the person reading your communication is actually a person with feelings and can get hurt. Essentially never say anything online that wouldn’t say to your reader’s face.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behaviour online that you follow in real life Be ethical in your engagement and know that breaking the law is bad netiquette.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace The netiquette required will differ from domain to domain. If you are in a forum of experts, your netiquette should reflect respect. Whereas if you are in a chat room with a group of friends (you know in real life) then the netiquette will differ!
4.Respect other people’s time and bandwidth When sharing files or documents, bear in mind the audience’s bandwidth. Furthermore, make sure you read the FAQs first before asking mundane questions where the answers already exist. If you disagree with a group’s discussion, don’t waste their (or your) time by telling them how stupid they are: Just stay away.
5. Make yourself look good online Check grammar and spelling before you post. Most people judge others’ intelligence based on the use of grammar and spelling. Only post on things you know about, it is not worth it to look like the fool.
6. Share expert knowledge Offer answers and help others where you can
. 7. Help keep flame wars under control Don’t respond to flame-bait, don’t post spelling or grammar flames, and apologise if you have done so or perpetuated a flame-war. 8. Respect other people’s privacy Don’t give out other people’s details, online or offline.
9. Don’t abuse your power The more power you have, the more important it is how you use it.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes We all were once a newb (and no we don’t mean noob – those who know little and have no will to learn any more).
Bad Etiquette Examples
Although these are not the only examples of bad netiquette these examples may give an idea of the things that are taboo:
Don't type in CAPS – it is considered shouting
Don’t spam
Don’t use offensive language
Don’t steal other people’s identity
Don’t distribute illegal material
Don’t flood
Don’t expect a response straight away
Don’t broadcast only; engage with others
Don’t ‘reply-all’ for a personal conversation
Don’t ask a question that can be found on the site or on Google” (Melin, 2013).